1
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Kamens HM, Flarend G, Horton WJ. The role of nicotinic receptors in alcohol consumption. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106705. [PMID: 36813094 PMCID: PMC10083870 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The use of alcohol causes significant morbidity and mortality across the globe. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is defined by the excessive use of this drug despite a negative impact on the individual's life. While there are currently medications available to treat AUD, they have limited efficacy and several side effects. As such, it is essential to continue to look for novel therapeutics. One target for novel therapeutics is nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Here we systematically review the literature on the involvement of nAChRs in alcohol consumption. Data from both genetic and pharmacology studies provide evidence that nAChRs modulate alcohol intake. Interestingly, pharmacological modulation of all nAChR subtypes examined can decrease alcohol consumption. The reviewed literature demonstrates that nAChRs should continue to be investigated as novel therapeutics for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Kamens
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States.
| | - Geneva Flarend
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - William J Horton
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
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2
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Straub CJ, Rusali LE, Kremiller KM, Riley AP. What We Have Gained from Ibogaine: α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Inhibitors as Treatments for Substance Use Disorders. J Med Chem 2023; 66:107-121. [PMID: 36440853 PMCID: PMC10034762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For decades, ibogaine─the main psychoactive alkaloid found in Tabernanthe iboga─has been investigated as a possible treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) due to its purported ability to interrupt the addictive properties of multiple drugs of abuse. Of the numerous pharmacological actions of ibogaine and its derivatives, the inhibition of α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), represents a probable mechanism of action for their apparent anti-addictive activity. In this Perspective, we examine several classes of compounds that have been discovered and developed to target α3β4 nAChRs. Specifically, by focusing on compounds that have proven efficacious in pre-clinical models of drug abuse and have been evaluated clinically, we highlight the promising potential of the α3β4 nAChRs as viable targets to treat a wide array of SUDs. Additionally, we discuss the challenges faced by the existing classes of α3β4 nAChR ligands that must be overcome to develop them into therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Straub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Lisa E Rusali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Kyle M Kremiller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Andrew P Riley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
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3
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Bjugstad K, Sanberg P. The boundlessness of behavioral neuroscience: A look across 30 years. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104910. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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4
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Kaneko S, Niki Y, Yamada K, Nasukawa D, Ujihara Y, Toda K. Systemic injection of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine affects licking, eyelid size, and locomotor and autonomic activities but not temporal prediction in male mice. Mol Brain 2022; 15:77. [PMID: 36068635 PMCID: PMC9450238 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00959-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are thought to be associated with a wide range of phenomena, such as movement, learning, memory, attention, and addiction. However, the causal relationship between nicotinic receptor activity and behavior remains unclear. Contrary to the studies that examined the functions of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, the role of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on behavior has not been examined as extensively. Here, we examined the effects of intraperitoneal injection of mecamylamine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, on the performance of male mice in a head-fixed temporal conditioning task and a free-moving open-field task. The head-fixed experimental setup allowed us to record and precisely quantify the licking response while the mice performed the behavioral task with no external cues. In addition, by combining the utility of the head-fixed experimental design with computer vision analysis based on deep learning algorithms, we succeeded in quantifying the eyelid size of awake mice. In the temporal conditioning task, we delivered a 10% sucrose solution every 10 s using a blunt-tipped needle placed within the licking distance of the mice. After the training, the mice showed increased anticipatory licking toward the timing of sucrose delivery, suggesting that the mice could predict the timing of the reward. Systemic injection of mecamylamine decreased licking behavior and caused eye closure but had no effect on learned conditioned predictive behavior in the head-fixed temporal conditioning task. In addition, the injection of mecamylamine decreased spontaneous locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner in the free-moving open-field task. The results in the open-field experiments further revealed that the effect of mecamylamine on fecal output and urination, suggesting the effects on autonomic activities. Our achievement of successful eyelid size recording has potential as a useful approach in initial screening for drug discovery. Our study paves a way forward to understanding the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on learning and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Kaneko
- Department of Psychology, Keio University, Mita 2-15-45, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Niki
- Department of Psychology, Keio University, Mita 2-15-45, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kota Yamada
- Department of Psychology, Keio University, Mita 2-15-45, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Society for Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiki Nasukawa
- Department of Psychology, Keio University, Mita 2-15-45, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ujihara
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, TN, Memphis, USA
| | - Koji Toda
- Department of Psychology, Keio University, Mita 2-15-45, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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5
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Zhang L, Yao LN, Liu W, Chen AQ, He SM, Wei ML, Fan ZX, Ren DL. N-acetylcholine receptors regulate cytokines expression and neutrophils recruitment via MAPK/ERK signaling in zebrafish. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 128:104328. [PMID: 34883109 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
N-acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are mainly distributed in the postsynaptic membrane and have been widely studied for their control of muscle contraction by regulating neural action potentials. However, the influences of AChRs on immune responses and potential mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we used the advantages of live imaging of zebrafish to explore the regulation process of AChRs on inflammatory responses. Pharmacologically activating of the receptor, we found that the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines il-1β, il-6, tnf-α and il-8 was significantly up-regulated and neutrophil migration to injury sites was also significantly increased. However, these phenomena were reversed under antagonism of the receptor activity. Results showed that interfering with nAChRs functions did not significantly affect zebrafish motion behavior. Results also showed that activation and antagonism of nAChRs function could regulate the phosphorylation of ERK protein respectively. We further demonstrated that ERK participated in the regulation of AChRs in cytokines expression and neutrophils migration in zebrafish. This study preliminarily revealed the roles of AChRs in inflammatory processes and their potential mechanism, providing additional evidence of peripheral immune regulation by cholinergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Li-Na Yao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - An-Qi Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Shi-Min He
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Mei-Li Wei
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Fan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Da-Long Ren
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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6
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Zapukhliak O, Netsyk O, Romanov A, Maximyuk O, Oz M, Holmes GL, Krishtal O, Isaev D. Mecamylamine inhibits seizure-like activity in CA1-CA3 hippocampus through antagonism to nicotinic receptors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0240074. [PMID: 33711021 PMCID: PMC7954330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic modulation of hippocampal network function is implicated in multiple behavioral and cognitive states. Activation of nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors affects neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission and rhythmic oscillations in the hippocampus. In this work, we studied the ability of the cholinergic system to sustain hippocampal epileptiform activity independently from glutamate and GABA transmission. Simultaneous CA3 and CA1 field potential recordings were obtained during the perfusion of hippocampal slices with the aCSF containing AMPA, NMDA and GABA receptor antagonists. Under these conditions, spontaneous epileptiform discharges synchronous between CA3 and CA1 were recorded. Epileptiform discharges were blocked by addition of the calcium-channel blocker Cd2+ and disappeared in CA1 after a surgical cut between CA3 and CA1. Cholinergic antagonist mecamylamine abolished CA3-CA1 synchronous epileptiform discharges, while antagonists of α7 and α4β2 nAChRs, MLA and DhβE, had no effect. Our results suggest that activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors can sustain CA3-CA1 synchronous epileptiform activity independently from AMPA, NMDA and GABA transmission. In addition, mecamylamine, but not α7 and α4β2 nAChRs antagonists, reduced bicuculline-induced seizure-like activity. The ability of mecamylamine to decrease hippocampal network synchronization might be associated with its therapeutic effects in a wide variety of CNS disorders including addiction, depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olha Zapukhliak
- Department of Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Olga Netsyk
- Department of Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Artur Romanov
- Department of Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Maximyuk
- Department of Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Murat Oz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Gregory L. Holmes
- Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Oleg Krishtal
- Department of Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Isaev
- Department of Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
- * E-mail:
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7
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Moerke MJ, McMahon LR, Wilkerson JL. More than Smoke and Patches: The Quest for Pharmacotherapies to Treat Tobacco Use Disorder. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:527-557. [PMID: 32205338 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.018028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco use is a persistent public health issue. It kills up to half its users and is the cause of nearly 90% of all lung cancers. The main psychoactive component of tobacco is nicotine, primarily responsible for its abuse-related effects. Accordingly, most pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), nicotine's major site of action in the brain. The goal of the current review is twofold: first, to provide a brief overview of the most commonly used behavioral procedures for evaluating smoking cessation pharmacotherapies and an introduction to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of nicotine important for consideration in the development of new pharmacotherapies; and second, to discuss current and potential future pharmacological interventions aimed at decreasing tobacco use. Attention will focus on the potential for allosteric modulators of nAChRs to offer an improvement over currently approved pharmacotherapies. Additionally, given increasing public concern for the potential health consequences of using electronic nicotine delivery systems, which allow users to inhale aerosolized solutions as an alternative to smoking tobacco, an effort will be made throughout this review to address the implications of this relatively new form of nicotine delivery, specifically as it relates to smoking cessation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite decades of research that have vastly improved our understanding of nicotine and its effects on the body, only a handful of pharmacotherapies have been successfully developed for use in smoking cessation. Thus, investigation of alternative pharmacological strategies for treating tobacco use disorder remains active; allosteric modulators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors represent one class of compounds currently under development for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Moerke
- Division of Preclinical Pharmacology, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (M.J.M.) and Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (L.R.M., J.L.W.)
| | - L R McMahon
- Division of Preclinical Pharmacology, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (M.J.M.) and Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (L.R.M., J.L.W.)
| | - J L Wilkerson
- Division of Preclinical Pharmacology, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (M.J.M.) and Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (L.R.M., J.L.W.)
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8
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Smith LC, George O. Advances in smoking cessation pharmacotherapy: Non-nicotinic approaches in animal models. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108225. [PMID: 32758566 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The landscape of worldwide tobacco use is changing, with a decrease in traditional smoking and an exponential rise in electronic cigarette use. No new nicotine cessation pharmacotherapies have come to market in the last 10 years. The current therapies that have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for nicotine cessation include nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, and the atypical antidepressant bupropion. Nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline both act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Bupropion inhibits the dopamine transporter, the norepinephrine transporter, and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to inhibit smoking behavior. Notwithstanding these treatments, rates of successful nicotine cessation in clinical trials remain low. Recent pharmacological approaches to improve nicotine cessation rates in animal models have turned their focus away from activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The present review focuses on such pharmacological approaches, including nicotine vaccines, anti-nicotine antibodies, nicotine-degrading enzymes, cannabinoids, and metformin. Both immunopharmacological and enzymatic approaches rely on restricting and degrading nicotine within the periphery, thus preventing psychoactive effects of nicotine on the central nervous system. In contrast, pharmacologic inhibition of the enzymes which degrade nicotine could affect smoking behavior. Cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists interact with the dopamine reward pathway and show efficacy in reducing nicotine addiction-like behaviors in preclinical studies. Metformin is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diabetes. It activates specific intracellular kinases that may protect against the lower metabolism, higher oxidation, and inflammation that are associated with nicotine withdrawal. Further studies are needed to investigate non-nicotinic targets to improve the treatment of tobacco use disorder. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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9
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Miller CN, Kamens HM. The role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in alcohol-related behaviors. Brain Res Bull 2020; 163:135-142. [PMID: 32707263 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes an alarming economic and health burden in the United States. Unfortunately, this disease does not exist in isolation; AUD is highly comorbid with nicotine use. Results from both human and animal models demonstrate a genetic correlation between alcohol and nicotine behaviors. These data support the idea of shared genetic and neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors. Nicotine acts directly at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) to have its pharmacological effect. Interestingly, alcohol also acts both directly and indirectly at these receptors. Research utilizing genetically engineered rodents and pharmacological manipulations suggest a role for nAChR in several ethanol behaviors. The current manuscript collates this literature and discusses findings that implicate specific nAChR subunits in ethanol phenotypes. These data suggest future directions for targeting nAChR as novel therapeutics for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Miller
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States
| | - H M Kamens
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States.
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10
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Miller CN, Kamens HM. Reduced expression of ethanol sensitization by α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in DBA/2J mice. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2020; 28:348-354. [PMID: 31580099 PMCID: PMC7117981 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, however existing treatments are ineffective and produce aversive side effects such as nausea and fatigue. One potential therapeutic for AUD is the α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC). Prior work has shown that 18-MC reduces ethanol consumption in rodent models. The present study sought to further examine the therapeutic potential of 18-MC by testing its effects on nonconsummatory behaviors. We examined 2 behavioral measures: ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation, which measures euphoric properties of the drug, and the expression of locomotor sensitization which models neuroadaptations in response to repeated exposure. We tested dose-dependent effects of 18-MC (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) administration on ethanol stimulation and locomotor sensitization in female and male DBA/2J mice. 18-MC had no effect on acute ethanol-induced stimulation, but the highest dose (30 mg/kg) significantly decreased the expression of locomotor sensitization. Our results support the involvement of α3β4 nAChR in the expression of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization and suggest that 18-MC may be a therapeutic for AUD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen M Kamens
- Corresponding Author: Helen M Kamens, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802, , Phone: 814-865-1269, Fax: 814-863-7525
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11
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Xie L, He S, Zhang Z, Lin K, Bo X, Yang S, Feng B, Wan K, Yang K, Yang J, Ding Y. Domain-adversarial multi-task framework for novel therapeutic property prediction of compounds. Bioinformatics 2020; 36:2848-2855. [PMID: 31999334 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION With the rapid development of high-throughput technologies, parallel acquisition of large-scale drug-informatics data provides significant opportunities to improve pharmaceutical research and development. One important application is the purpose prediction of small-molecule compounds with the objective of specifying the therapeutic properties of extensive purpose-unknown compounds and repurposing the novel therapeutic properties of FDA-approved drugs. Such a problem is extremely challenging because compound attributes include heterogeneous data with various feature patterns, such as drug fingerprints, drug physicochemical properties and drug perturbation gene expressions. Moreover, there is a complex non-linear dependency among heterogeneous data. In this study, we propose a novel domain-adversarial multi-task framework for integrating shared knowledge from multiple domains. The framework first uses an adversarial strategy to learn target representations and then models non-linear dependency among several domains. RESULTS Experiments on two real-world datasets illustrate that our approach achieves an obvious improvement over competitive baselines. The novel therapeutic properties of purpose-unknown compounds that we predicted have been widely reported or brought to clinics. Furthermore, our framework can integrate various attributes beyond the three domains examined herein and can be applied in industry for screening significant numbers of small-molecule drug candidates. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The source code and datasets are available at https://github.com/JohnnyY8/DAMT-Model. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingwei Xie
- School of Informatics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Song He
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhongnan Zhang
- School of Informatics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Kunhui Lin
- School of Informatics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiaochen Bo
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Computer Science, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Boyuan Feng
- Department of Computer Science, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Kun Wan
- Department of Computer Science, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Kang Yang
- School of Informatics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Informatics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yufei Ding
- Department of Computer Science, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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12
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Neurochemical Evidence of Preclinical and Clinical Reports on Target-Based Therapy in Alcohol Used Disorder. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:491-507. [PMID: 31898084 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02944-9] [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: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder, which enforces a person to compulsively seek alcohol, restricting control over alcohol intake leads to emergence of an undesired emotional state during abstinence. There are recent advances for better understanding of neurocircuitry involved in the pathophysiology of AUD. Alcohol interaction with neuronal membrane proteins results in changes in neuronal circuits. It is also linked with the potential medication and their clinical validation concerning their pharmacological targets for alcoholic abstinence. This review covers research work from the past few decades on the therapeutic advances on treatment of alcohol dependence; further detailing the fundamental neurochemical mechanisms after alcohol administration. It also covers interaction of alcohol with GABAergic, glutaminergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic and opioid systems. This review further elaborated the neurobiology of noradrenergic, cholinergic and cannabinoid systems and their interaction with AUD. Elaborative information of potential drug targets under current exploration for AUD treatment with their mechanisms are reported here along with clinical outcomes and the associated side effects.
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13
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Wang J, Blasio A, Chapman HL, Doebelin C, Liaw V, Kuryatov A, Giovanetti SM, Lindstrom J, Lin L, Cameron MD, Kamenecka TM, Pomrenze MB, Messing RO. Promoting activity of (α4) 3(β2) 2 nicotinic cholinergic receptors reduces ethanol consumption. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:301-308. [PMID: 31394567 PMCID: PMC6901472 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in developing drugs that act at α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to treat alcohol use disorder. The smoking cessation agent varenicline, a partial agonist of α4β2 nAChRs, reduces alcohol intake, but its use can be limited by side effects at high therapeutic doses. There are two stoichiometric forms of α4β2 nAChRs, (α4)3(β2)2 and (α4)2(β2)3. Here we investigated the hypothesis that NS9283, a positive allosteric modulator selective for the (α4)3(β2)2 form, reduces ethanol consumption. NS9283 increased the potency of varenicline to activate and desensitize (α4)3(β2)2 nAChRs in vitro without affecting other known targets of varenicline. In male and female C57BL/6J mice, NS9283 (10 mg/kg) reduced ethanol intake in a two-bottle choice, intermittent drinking procedure without affecting saccharin intake, ethanol-induced incoordination or ethanol-induced loss of the righting reflex. Subthreshold doses of NS9283 (2.5 mg/kg) plus varenicline (0.1 mg/kg) synergistically reduced ethanol intake in both sexes. Finally, despite having no aversive valence of its own, NS9283 enhanced ethanol-conditioned place aversion. We conclude that compounds targeting the (α4)3(β2)2 subtype of nAChRs can reduce alcohol consumption, and when administered in combination with varenicline, may allow use of lower varenicline doses to decrease varenicline side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Wang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Angelo Blasio
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Holly L. Chapman
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Christelle Doebelin
- 0000000122199231grid.214007.0Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL USA
| | - Victor Liaw
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Alexander Kuryatov
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Simone M. Giovanetti
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Jon Lindstrom
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Li Lin
- 0000000122199231grid.214007.0DMPK core, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL USA
| | - Michael D. Cameron
- 0000000122199231grid.214007.0DMPK core, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL USA
| | - Theodore M. Kamenecka
- 0000000122199231grid.214007.0Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL USA
| | - Matthew B. Pomrenze
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Robert O. Messing
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
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Cunningham CS, Moerke MJ, McMahon LR. Discriminative stimulus effects of mecamylamine and nicotine in rhesus monkeys: Central and peripheral mechanisms. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 179:27-33. [PMID: 30738085 PMCID: PMC6788799 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Mecamylamine is a non-competitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist that has been prescribed for hypertension and as an off-label smoking cessation aid. Here, we examined pharmacological mechanisms underlying the interoceptive effects (i.e., discriminative stimulus effects) of mecamylamine (5.6 mg/kg s.c.) and compared the effects of nAChR antagonists in this discrimination assay to their capacity to block a nicotine discriminative stimulus (1.78 mg/kg s.c.) in rhesus monkeys. Central (pempidine) and peripherally restricted nAChR antagonists (pentolinium and chlorisondamine) dose-dependently substituted for the mecamylamine discriminative stimulus in the following rank order potency (pentolinium > pempidine > chlorisondamine > mecamylamine). In contrast, at equi-effective doses based on substitution for mecamylamine, only mecamylamine antagonized the discriminative stimulus effects of nicotine, i.e., pentolinium, chlorisondamine, and pempidine did not. NMDA receptor antagonists produced dose-dependent substitution for mecamylamine with the following rank order potency (MK-801 > phencyclidine > ketamine). In contrast, behaviorally active doses of smoking cessation aids including nAChR agonists (nicotine, varenicline, and cytisine), the smoking cessation aid and antidepressant bupropion, and the benzodiazepine midazolam did not substitute for the discriminative stimulus effects of mecamylamine. These data suggest that peripheral nAChRs and NMDA receptors may contribute to the interoceptive stimulus effects produced by mecamylamine. Based on the current results, the therapeutic use of mecamylamine (i.e., for smoking or to alleviate green tobacco sickness) should be weighed against the potential for mecamylamine to produce interoceptive effects that overlap with another class of abused drugs (i.e., NMDA receptor agonists).
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin S Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Megan J Moerke
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lance R McMahon
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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15
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Anti-cholinergics mecamylamine and scopolamine alleviate motion sickness-induced gastrointestinal symptoms through both peripheral and central actions. Neuropharmacology 2019; 146:252-263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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McMahon LR. Green tobacco sickness: mecamylamine, varenicline, and nicotine vaccine as clinical research tools and potential therapeutics. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:189-195. [PMID: 30650314 PMCID: PMC6786486 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1570844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Green tobacco sickness occurs from transdermal absorption of chemicals from freshly harvested, green tobacco leaves. Signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal cramps. Prevalence has shifted from the United States and Europe to China, India, and Brazil. Worldwide 8 million individuals are afflicted, including women and children. Areas covered: Mecamylamine (Inversine®, Vecamyl®), a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist, should be tested as a remedy for green tobacco sickness. Mecamylamine is approved as an oral tablet for the treatment of hypertension, is safe, and is off-patent. Mecamylamine attenuates many of the effects of nicotine and tobacco including seizures, thereby supporting its use as an effective pharmacotherapy for tobacco dependence. Varenicline (Chantix®) and cytisine (Tabex®) are low efficacy (i.e. intrinsic activity) nAChR agonists, are used as smoking cessation aids, and are viable options to test as remedies against green tobacco sickness. Nicotine immunization strategies may provide further options for future testing. Expert commentary: Efforts to demonstrate reversal and/or prevention of green tobacco sickness by mecamylamine will underscore the importance of nicotine in this illness and highlight a new medication for effective treatment of tobacco poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance R McMahon
- a Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
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17
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Rosecrans JA, Young R. Discriminative Stimulus Properties of S(-)-Nicotine: "A Drug for All Seasons". Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 39:51-94. [PMID: 28391535 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
S(-)-Nicotine is the major pharmacologically active substance in tobacco and can function as an effective discriminative stimulus in both experimental animals and humans. In this model, subjects must detect and communicate the nicotine drug state versus the non-drug state. This review describes the usefulness of the procedure to study nicotine, presents a general overview of the model, and provides some relevant methodological details for the establishment of this drug as a stimulus. Once established, the (-)-nicotine stimulus can be characterized for dose response and time course effects. Moreover, tests can be conducted to determine the similarity of effects produced by test drugs to those produced by the training dose of nicotine. Such tests have shown that the stimulus effects of nicotine are stereoselective [S(-)-nicotine >R(+)-nicotine] and that other "natural" tobacco alkaloids and (-)-nicotine metabolites can produce (-)-nicotine-like effects, but these drugs are much less potent than (-)-nicotine. Stimulus antagonism tests with mecamylamine and DHβE (dihydro-β-erythroidine) indicate that the (-)-nicotine stimulus is mediated via α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in brain; dopamine systems also are likely involved. Individuals who try to cease their use of nicotine-based products are often unsuccessful. Bupropion (Zyban®) and varenicline (Chantix®) may be somewhat effective as anti-smoking medications because they probably produce stimulus effects that serve as suitable substitutes for (-)-nicotine in the individual who is motivated to quit smoking. Finally, it is proposed that future drug discrimination studies should apply the model to the issue of maintenance of abstinence from (-)-nicotine-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Rosecrans
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, P.O. Box 980613, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
| | - Richard Young
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 East Leigh Street, P.O. Box 980540, Richmond, VA, 23219-0540, USA.
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18
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An improved model of ethanol and nicotine co-use in female P rats: Effects of naltrexone, varenicline, and the selective nicotinic α6β2* antagonist r-bPiDI. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 193:154-161. [PMID: 30384323 PMCID: PMC6239925 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Although pharmacotherapies are available for alcohol (EtOH) or tobacco use disorders individually, it may be possible to develop a single pharmacotherapy to treat heavy drinking tobacco smokers by capitalizing on the commonalities in their mechanisms of action. Methods Female alcohol-preferring (P) rats were trained for EtOH drinking and nicotine self-administration in two phases: (1) EtOH alone (0 vs. 15% EtOH, 2-bottle choice) and (2) concomitant access, during which EtOH access continued with access to nicotine (0.03 mg/kg/infusion, i.v.) using a 2-lever choice procedure (active vs. inactive lever) in which the fixed ratio (FR) requirement was gradually increased to FR30. When stable co-use was obtained, rats were pretreated with varying doses of naltrexone, varenicline, or r-bPiDI, an α6β2* subtype-selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist shown previously to reduce nicotine self-administration. Results While EtOH intake was initially suppressed in phase 2 (co-use), pharmacologically relevant intake for both substances was achieved by raising the "price" of nicotine to FR30. In phase 2, naltrexone decreased EtOH and water consumption but not nicotine intake; in contrast, naltrexone in phase 1 (EtOH only) did not significantly alter EtOH intake. Varenicline and r-bPiDI in phase 2 both decreased nicotine self-administration and inactive lever pressing, but neither altered EtOH or water consumption. Conclusions These results indicate that increasing the "price" of nicotine increases EtOH intake during co-use. Additionally, the efficacy of naltrexone, varenicline, and r-bPiDI was specific to either EtOH or nicotine, with no efficacy for co-use. Nevertheless, future studies on combining these treatments may reveal synergistic efficacy.
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Shimizu R, Ibaragi S, Eguchi T, Kuwajima D, Kodama S, Nishioka T, Okui T, Obata K, Takabatake K, Kawai H, Ono K, Okamoto K, Nagatsuka H, Sasaki A. Nicotine promotes lymph node metastasis and cetuximab resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2018; 54:283-294. [PMID: 30431077 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is overexpressed in many cancers and is associated with worse prognosis. EGF binds to its cell surface receptor (EGFR), which induces EGFR phosphorylation. Phosphorylated EGFR (p‑EGFR) is translocated into the nucleus, which increases cancer cell activity. Nicotine, which is one of the main components of tobacco, is absorbed through pulmonary alveoli and mucosal epithelia in the head and neck region by smoking and moves into the blood. Nicotine in blood binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in the central nervous system and serves a crucial role in tobacco addiction. Although nAChR localization is thought to be limited in the nervous system, nAChR is present in a wide variety of non‑neuronal cells, including cancer cells. Recent studies suggest that nicotine contributes to the metastasis and resistance to anti‑cancer drugs of various cancer cells. However, it remains unknown whether head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells can utilize nicotine‑nAChR signaling to metastasize and acquire resistance to anti‑cancer drugs, even though the mucosal epithelia of the head and neck region are the primary sites of exposure to tobacco smoke. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate the role of nicotine in metastasis and anti‑EGFR‑therapy resistance of HNSCC. The present findings demonstrated that nicotine increased proliferation, migration, invasion, p‑EGFR nuclear translocation and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation in HNSCC cells. It was also demonstrated that nicotine restored cetuximab‑inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of HNSCC cells. Finally, an in vivo experiment revealed that nicotine increased lymph node metastasis of xenografted tumors, whereas an nAChR inhibitor suppressed lymph node metastasis and p‑EGFR nuclear localization of xenografted tumors. Taken together, these results demonstrated that nicotine induced nuclear accumulation of p‑EGFR, and activation of Akt signaling. These signaling pathways elevated the activities of HNSCC cells, causing lymph node metastasis and serving a role in cetuximab resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rieko Shimizu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Soichiro Ibaragi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Takanori Eguchi
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kuwajima
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kodama
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishioka
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980‑8575, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Okui
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Obata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Takabatake
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Hotaka Kawai
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Kisho Ono
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Okamoto
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nagatsuka
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
| | - Akira Sasaki
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700‑8525, Japan
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Self-administration of the synthetic cathinone MDPV enhances reward function via a nicotinic receptor dependent mechanism. Neuropharmacology 2018; 137:286-296. [PMID: 29778945 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is an addictive synthetic drug with severe side effects. Previous studies have shown that MDPV has positive reinforcing properties. However, little is known about the effect of MDPV self-administration on the state of the brain reward system and the neuronal mechanisms by which MDPV mediates its effects. The goal of the present studies was to determine the effect of MDPV self-administration on reward function and the role of cholinergic neurotransmission in the reinforcing effects of MDPV. To study the effect of MDPV self-administration on the brain reward system, rats were prepared with intravenous catheters and intracranial self-stimulation electrodes (ICSS). For 10 days, the reward thresholds were assessed immediately before (23 h post prior session) and after 1 h of MDPV self-administration. The reward thresholds were decreased immediately after MDPV self-administration, which is indicative of a potentiation of brain reward function. The reward thresholds 23 h after MDPV intake gradually increased over time, which is indicative of anhedonia. Pretreatment with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist mecamylamine decreased the self-administration of MDPV and completely prevented the decrease in reward thresholds. A control study with palatable chocolate pellets showed that responding for a natural reinforcer does not affect the state of the brain reward system. Furthermore, mecamylamine did not affect responding for food pellets. In conclusion, the self-administration of MDPV potentiates reward function and nAChR blockade prevents the reward enhancing effects of MDPV self-administration. Preventing the MDPV-induced increase in cholinergic neurotransmission might be a safe approach to diminish MDPV abuse.
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21
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Maggio SE, Saunders MA, Baxter TA, Nixon K, Prendergast MA, Zheng G, Crooks P, Dwoskin LP, Slack RD, Newman AH, Bell RL, Bardo MT. Effects of the nicotinic agonist varenicline, nicotinic antagonist r-bPiDI, and DAT inhibitor (R)-modafinil on co-use of ethanol and nicotine in female P rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1439-1453. [PMID: 29455292 PMCID: PMC6058964 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4853-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Co-users of alcohol and nicotine are the largest group of polysubstance users worldwide. Commonalities in mechanisms of action for ethanol (EtOH) and nicotine proposes the possibility of developing a single pharmacotherapeutic to treat co-use. OBJECTIVES Toward developing a preclinical model of co-use, female alcohol-preferring (P) rats were trained for voluntary EtOH drinking and i.v. nicotine self-administration in three phases: (1) EtOH alone (0 vs. 15%, two-bottle choice), (2) nicotine alone (0.03 mg/kg/infusion, active vs. inactive lever), and (3) concurrent access to both EtOH and nicotine. Using this model, we examined the effects of (1) varenicline, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) partial agonist with high affinity for the α4β2* subtype; (2) r-bPiDI, a subtype-selective antagonist at α6β2* nAChRs; and (3) (R)-modafinil, an atypical inhibitor of the dopamine transporter (DAT). RESULTS In phases 1 and 2, pharmacologically relevant intake of EtOH and nicotine was achieved. In the concurrent access phase (phase 3), EtOH consumption decreased while nicotine intake increased relative to phases 1 and 2. For drug pretreatments, in the EtOH access phase (phase 1), (R)-modafinil (100 mg/kg) decreased EtOH consumption, with no effect on water consumption. In the concurrent access phase, varenicline (3 mg/kg), r-bPiDI (20 mg/kg), and (R)-modafinil (100 mg/kg) decreased nicotine self-administration but did not alter EtOH consumption, water consumption, or inactive lever pressing. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that therapeutics which may be useful for smoking cessation via selective inhibition of α4β2* or α6β2* nAChRs, or DAT inhibition, may not be sufficient to treat EtOH and nicotine co-use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Maggio
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | | | - Thomas A Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Kimberly Nixon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Mark A Prendergast
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Peter Crooks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Linda P Dwoskin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Rachel D Slack
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Amy H Newman
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Richard L Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Michael T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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Pavlidis P, Gouveris H, Kekes G. Electrogustometry Thresholds, Tongue Tip Vascularization, Density, and Form of the Fungiform Papillae Following Smoking Cessation. Chem Senses 2017; 42:419-423. [PMID: 28379369 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjx009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in gustatory function and in shape, density, and vascularization of the fungiform papillae (fPap) of smokers' tongue before and after smoking cessation. In 24 smokers (19 males, 5 females; median age: 54.6 ± 2.9 years) electrogustometry (EGM) thresholds at the chorda tympani area, at the soft palate area and at the area of the vallate papillae were recorded bilaterally. Morphology and density of the fungiform papillae (fPap) and blood vessels' density and morphology at the tip of the tongue were examined using contact endoscopy (CE). Follow-up exams (EGM and CE) were performed on average 3.2 months after smoking cessation. Findings were compared between the 2 conditions as well as to those of a group of 24 non-smokers (median age: 55.2 ± 3.4 years; 19 males, 5 females). After smoking cessation, EGM thresholds decreased significantly (P = 0.02 or P = 0.03 depending on the tested area) but nonetheless still were quite different from those of non-smokers (P = 0.05 or 0.04 depending on the site of EGM measurement). Under CE the fPap density was higher after quitting smoking (P = 0.05) and the shape and vascularization of fPap also exhibited a trend to improvement (P = 0.05) after smoking cessation. Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke infers long lasting, although to a large extent reversible, alterations in morphology of taste buds in fungiform papillae, but rather irreversible EGM-related functional gustatory compromise, suggesting a profound physiologic effect on human peripheral taste organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Pavlidis
- Carl-Thiem Klinikum, ENT Dpt, Thiemstraße 111, 03048 Cottbus, Germany
| | - Haralampos Gouveris
- University Hospital Mainz, ENT Dpt, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany and
| | - Georgios Kekes
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki 541 24, Greece
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23
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Alvarez-Jimenez R, Baakman AC, Stevens J, Goulooze SC, Hart EP, Rissmann R, van Gerven JM, Groeneveld GJ. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral mecamylamine - development of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist cognitive challenge test using modelling and simulation. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:192-203. [PMID: 27927703 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116681417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A pharmacologic challenge model with a nicotinic antagonist could be an important tool not only to understand the complex role of the nicotinic cholinergic system in cognition, but also to develop novel compounds acting on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The objective was to develop a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model using nonlinear mixed effects (NLME) methods to quantitate the pharmacokinetics of three oral mecamylamine doses (10, 20 and 30 mg) and correlate the plasma concentrations to the pharmacodynamic effects on a cognitive and neurophysiologic battery of tests in healthy subjects. A one-compartment linear kinetic model best described the plasma concentrations of mecamylamine. Mecamylamine's estimated clearance was 0.28 ± 0.015 L min-1. The peripheral volume of distribution (291 ± 5.15 L) was directly related to total body weight. Mecamylamine impaired the accuracy and increased the reaction time in tests evaluating short term working memory with a steep increase in the concentration-effect relationship at plasma concentrations below 100 μg L-1. On the other hand, mecamylamine induced a decrease in performance of tests evaluating visual and fine motor coordination at higher plasma concentrations (EC50 97 μg L-1). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased exponentially after a plasma mecamylamine concentration of 80 μg L-1, a known effect previously poorly studied in healthy subjects. The developed mecamylamine PKPD model was used to quantify the effects of nicotinic blockade in a set of neurophysiological tests in humans with the goal to provide insight into the physiology and pharmacology of the nicotinic system in humans and the possibility to optimize future trials that use mecamylamine as a pharmacological challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jasper Stevens
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan C Goulooze
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,2 Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen P Hart
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joop Ma van Gerven
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,3 Neurology Department, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,4 Neurology Department, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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24
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Beard E, Shahab L, Cummings DM, Michie S, West R. New Pharmacological Agents to Aid Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Harm Reduction: What Has Been Investigated, and What Is in the Pipeline? CNS Drugs 2016; 30:951-83. [PMID: 27421270 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-016-0362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of support is available to help smokers to quit and to aid attempts at harm reduction, including three first-line smoking cessation medications: nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline and bupropion. Despite the efficacy of these, there is a continual need to diversify the range of medications so that the needs of tobacco users are met. This paper compares the first-line smoking cessation medications with (1) two variants of these existing products: new galenic formulations of varenicline and novel nicotine delivery devices; and (2) 24 alternative products: cytisine (novel outside Central and Eastern Europe), nortriptyline, other tricyclic antidepressants, electronic cigarettes, clonidine (an anxiolytic), other anxiolytics (e.g. buspirone), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, supplements (e.g. St John's wort), silver acetate, Nicobrevin, modafinil, venlafaxine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), opioid antagonists, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonists, glucose tablets, selective cannabinoid type 1 receptor antagonists, nicotine vaccines, drugs that affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission, drugs that affect N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, dopamine agonists (e.g. levodopa), pioglitazone (Actos; OMS405), noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and the weight management drug lorcaserin. Six 'ESCUSE' criteria-relative efficacy, relative safety, relative cost, relative use (overall impact of effective medication use), relative scope (ability to serve new groups of patients) and relative ease of use-are used. Many of these products are in the early stages of clinical trials; however, cytisine looks most promising in having established efficacy and safety with low cost. Electronic cigarettes have become very popular, appear to be efficacious and are safer than smoking, but issues of continued dependence and possible harms need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Beard
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, London, WC1E 6BP, UK.
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BP, UK.
| | - Lion Shahab
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, London, WC1E 6BP, UK
| | - Damian M Cummings
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BP, UK
| | - Robert West
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, London, WC1E 6BP, UK
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Van Skike CE, Maggio SE, Reynolds AR, Casey EM, Bardo MT, Dwoskin LP, Prendergast MA, Nixon K. Critical needs in drug discovery for cessation of alcohol and nicotine polysubstance abuse. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 65:269-87. [PMID: 26582145 PMCID: PMC4679525 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Polysubstance abuse of alcohol and nicotine has been overlooked in our understanding of the neurobiology of addiction and especially in the development of novel therapeutics for its treatment. Estimates show that as many as 92% of people with alcohol use disorders also smoke tobacco. The health risks associated with both excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking create an urgent biomedical need for the discovery of effective cessation treatments, as opposed to current approaches that attempt to independently treat each abused agent. The lack of treatment approaches for alcohol and nicotine abuse/dependence mirrors a similar lack of research in the neurobiology of polysubstance abuse. This review discusses three critical needs in medications development for alcohol and nicotine co-abuse: (1) the need for a better understanding of the clinical condition (i.e. alcohol and nicotine polysubstance abuse), (2) the need to better understand how these drugs interact in order to identify new targets for therapeutic development and (3) the need for animal models that better mimic this human condition. Current and emerging treatments available for the cessation of each drug and their mechanisms of action are discussed within this context followed by what is known about the pharmacological interactions of alcohol and nicotine. Much has been and will continue to be gained from studying comorbid alcohol and nicotine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Van Skike
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - S E Maggio
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - A R Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - E M Casey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - M T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Center for Drug Abuse and Research Translation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - L P Dwoskin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Center for Drug Abuse and Research Translation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - M A Prendergast
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - K Nixon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
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Ciesla L, Okine M, Rosenberg A, Dossou KSS, Toll L, Wainer IW, Moaddel R. Development and characterization of the α3β4α5 nicotinic receptor cellular membrane affinity chromatography column and its application for on line screening of plant extracts. J Chromatogr A 2015; 1431:138-144. [PMID: 26774122 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The α3β4α5 nAChR has been recently shown to be a useful target for smoking cessation pharmacotherapies. Herein, we report on the development and characterization of the α3β4α5 nicotinic receptor column by frontal displacement chromatography. The binding affinity of the nicotine and minor alkaloids found in tobacco smoke condensates were determined for both the α3β4 and α3β4α5 nicotinic receptors. It was demonstrated that while no subtype selectivity was observed for nicotine and nornicotine, anabasine was selective for the α3β4α5 nicotinic receptor. The non-competitive inhibitor binding site was also studied and it was demonstrated while mecamylamine was not selective between subtypes, buproprion showed subtype selectivity for the α3β4 nicotinic receptor. The application of this methodology to complex mixtures was then carried out by screening aqueous-alcoholic solutions of targeted plant extracts, including Lycopodium clavatum L. (Lycopodiaceae) and Trigonella foenum graecum L. (Fabaceae) against both the α3β4 and α3β4α5 nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ciesla
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - M Okine
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - A Rosenberg
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - K S S Dossou
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - L Toll
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, FL 34990, United States
| | - I W Wainer
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - R Moaddel
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
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Schmidt CE, Manbeck KE, Shelley D, Harris AC. Blockade of cholinergic transmission elicits somatic signs in nicotine-naïve adolescent rats. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:239. [PMID: 26539119 PMCID: PMC4611158 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
High doses of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist mecamylamine can elicit somatic signs resembling those associated with nicotine withdrawal in nicotine-naïve adult rats. Understanding this phenomenon, and its possible modulation by acute nicotine and age, could inform the use of mecamylamine as both an experimental tool and potential pharmacotherapy for tobacco dependence and other disorders. This study evaluated the ability of high-dose mecamylamine to elicit somatic signs in adolescent rats, and the potential for acute nicotine pretreatment to potentiate this effect as previously reported in adults. Single or repeated injections of mecamylamine (1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg, s.c.) elicited somatic signs in nicotine-naïve adolescents, but this effect was not influenced by 2 h pretreatment with acute nicotine (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.). In an initial evaluation of the effects of age in this model, mecamylamine (2.25 mg/kg, s.c.) elicited somatic signs in nicotine-naïve adolescents and adults. This effect was modestly enhanced following acute nicotine injections in adults but not in adolescents, even when a higher nicotine dose (1.0 rather than 0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) was used in adolescents to account for age differences in nicotine pharmacokinetics. These studies are the first to show that mecamylamine elicits somatic signs in nicotine-naïve adolescent rats, an effect that should be considered when designing and interpreting studies examining effects of high doses of mecamylamine in adolescents. Our findings also provide preliminary evidence that these signs may be differentially modulated by acute nicotine pretreatment in adolescents versus adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Schmidt
- Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation , Minneapolis, MN, USA ; Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Katherine E Manbeck
- Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation , Minneapolis, MN, USA ; Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David Shelley
- Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Andrew C Harris
- Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation , Minneapolis, MN, USA ; Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA ; Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Differential Gene Expression Profile in the Rat Caudal Vestibular Nucleus is Associated with Individual Differences in Motion Sickness Susceptibility. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124203. [PMID: 25910039 PMCID: PMC4409317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify differentially expressed genes associated with motion sickness (MS) susceptibility in the rat caudal vestibular nucleus. METHODS We identified MS susceptible (MSS) and insusceptible (inMSS) rats by quantifying rotation-induced MS symptoms: defecation and spontaneous locomotion activity. Microarray analysis was used to screen differentially expressed genes in the caudal vestibular nucleus (CVN) after rotation. Plasma stress hormones were identified by radioimmunoassay. Candidate genes were selected by bioinformatics analysis and the microarray results were verified by real-time quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR) methods. By using Elvax implantation, receptor antagonists or recombinant adenovirus targeting the candidate genes were applied to the CVN to evaluate their contribution to MS susceptibility variability. Validity of gene expression manipulation was verified by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. RESULTS A total of 304 transcripts were differentially expressed in the MSS group compared with the inMSS group. RT-qPCR analysis verified the expression pattern of candidate genes, including nicotinic cholinergic receptor (nAchR) α3 subunit, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 (5-HT4R), tachykinin neurokinin-1 (NK1R), γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) α6 subunit, olfactory receptor 81 (Olr81) and homology 2 domain-containing transforming protein 1 (Shc1). In MSS animals, the nAchR antagonist mecamylamine significantly alleviated rotation-induced MS symptoms and the plasma β-endorphin response. The NK1R antagonist CP99994 and Olr81 knock-down were effective for the defecation response, while the 5-HT4R antagonist RS39604 and Shc1 over-expression showed no therapeutic effect. In inMSS animals, rotation-induced changes in spontaneous locomotion activity and the plasma β-endorphin level occurred in the presence of the GABAAR antagonist gabazine. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that the variability of the CVN gene expression profile after motion stimulation might be a putative molecular basis for individual differences in MS susceptibility and provide information for the development of new therapeutic strategies for MSS individuals.
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Addy NA, Nunes EJ, Wickham RJ. Ventral tegmental area cholinergic mechanisms mediate behavioral responses in the forced swim test. Behav Brain Res 2015; 288:54-62. [PMID: 25865152 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies revealed a causal link between ventral tegmental area (VTA) phasic dopamine (DA) activity and pro-depressive and antidepressant-like behavioral responses in rodent models of depression. Cholinergic activity in the VTA has been demonstrated to regulate phasic DA activity, but the role of VTA cholinergic mechanisms in depression-related behavior is unclear. The goal of this study was to determine whether pharmacological manipulation of VTA cholinergic activity altered behavioral responding in the forced swim test (FST) in rats. Here, male Sprague-Dawley rats received systemic or VTA-specific administration of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, physostigmine (systemic; 0.06 or 0.125mg/kg, intra-cranial; 1 or 2μg/side), the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antagonist scopolamine (2.4 or 24μg/side), or the nicotinic AChR antagonist mecamylamine (3 or 30μg/side), prior to the FST test session. In control experiments, locomotor activity was also examined following systemic and intra-cranial administration of cholinergic drugs. Physostigmine administration, either systemically or directly into the VTA, significantly increased immobility time in FST, whereas physostigmine infusion into a dorsal control site did not alter immobility time. In contrast, VTA infusion of either scopolamine or mecamylamine decreased immobility time, consistent with an antidepressant-like effect. Finally, the VTA physostigmine-induced increase in immobility was blocked by co-administration with scopolamine, but unaltered by co-administration with mecamylamine. These data show that enhancing VTA cholinergic tone and blocking VTA AChRs has opposing effects in FST. Together, the findings provide evidence for a role of VTA cholinergic mechanisms in behavioral responses in FST.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Addy
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - E J Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - R J Wickham
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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Bajic D, Soiza-Reilly M, Spalding AL, Berde CB, Commons KG. Endogenous cholinergic neurotransmission contributes to behavioral sensitization to morphine. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117601. [PMID: 25647082 PMCID: PMC4315441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system is critical for behavioral adaptations associated with opioid reward and addiction. These processes may be influenced by cholinergic transmission arising from the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg), a main source of acetylcholine to mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons. To examine this possibility we asked if chronic systemic morphine administration affects expression of genes in ventral and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray at the level of the LDTg using rtPCR. Specifically, we examined gene expression changes in the area of interest using Neurotransmitters and Receptors PCR array between chronic morphine and saline control groups. Analysis suggested that chronic morphine administration led to changes in expression of genes associated, in part, with cholinergic neurotransmission. Furthermore, using a quantitative immunofluorescent technique, we found that chronic morphine treatment produced a significant increase in immunolabeling of the cholinergic marker (vesicular acetylcholine transporter) in neurons of the LDTg. Finally, systemic administration of the nonselective and noncompetitive neuronal nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine (0.5 or 2 mg/kg) dose-dependently blocked the expression, and to a lesser extent the development, of locomotor sensitization. The same treatment had no effect on acute morphine antinociception, antinociceptive tolerance or dependence to chronic morphine. Taken together, the results suggest that endogenous nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission selectively contributes to behavioral sensitization to morphine and this process may, in part, involve cholinergic neurons within the LDTg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusica Bajic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
- Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
| | - Mariano Soiza-Reilly
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
- Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
| | - Allegra L. Spalding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
| | - Charles B. Berde
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
- Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
| | - Kathryn G. Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
- Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
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Stockdale TP, Williams CM. Pharmaceuticals that contain polycyclic hydrocarbon scaffolds. Chem Soc Rev 2015; 44:7737-63. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cs00477a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores approved pharmaceutical compounds that contain polycyclic scaffolds and the properties that these skeletons convey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tegan P. Stockdale
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
- University of Queensland
- St Lucia
- Australia
| | - Craig M. Williams
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
- University of Queensland
- St Lucia
- Australia
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Jepsen TH, Jensen AA, Lund MH, Glibstrup E, Kristensen JL. Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of DHβE Analogues as Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonists. ACS Med Chem Lett 2014; 5:766-70. [PMID: 25050162 DOI: 10.1021/ml500094c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE) is a member of the Erythrina family of alkaloids and a potent competitive antagonist of the α4β2-subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Guided by an X-ray structure of DHβE in complex with an ACh binding protein, we detail the design, synthesis, and pharmacological characterization of a series of DHβE analogues in which two of the four rings in the natural product has been excluded. We found that the direct analogue of DHβE maintains affinity for the α4β2-subtype, but further modifications of the simplified analogues were detrimental to their activities on the nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tue Heesgaard Jepsen
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders A. Jensen
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Henrik Lund
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emil Glibstrup
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Langgaard Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Zacche MM, Giarenis I, Cardozo L. Phase II drugs that target cholinergic receptors for the treatment of overactive bladder. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2014; 23:1365-74. [PMID: 24899225 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2014.925877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Overactive bladder (OAB) is a term used to describe the symptom syndrome of urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually associated with frequency and nocturia. Antimuscarinics are the most widely prescribed class of drugs for OAB, although their systemic adverse effects limit their use in clinical practice as compliance. This has led to developments in the field. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors describe Phase II drugs that target cholinergic receptors. First, the authors present the new antimuscarinics (tarafenacin and afacifenacin). This is followed by reports on a combination drug (tolenix) containing a muscarinic antagonist (tolterodine) associated with a muscarinic agonist (pilocarpine). Further, the authors discuss the trials of well-known drugs in either new combination therapy (solifenacin and mirabegron) or with new routes of delivery (oxybutynin vaginal ring). Finally, the authors examine the option of targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (dexmecamylamine). EXPERT OPINION Different strategies have been adopted to improve the efficacy and tolerability of therapeutics for OAB. Nicotinic receptors represent a novel therapeutic target; however, it is unlikely that antimuscarinic agents will be replaced as standard first-line therapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martino Maria Zacche
- King's College Hospital, Department of Urogynaecology , Denmark Hill, SE5 9 RS, London , UK
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Bondarenko V, Targowska-Duda KM, Jozwiak K, Tang P, Arias HR. Molecular interactions between mecamylamine enantiomers and the transmembrane domain of the human α4β2 nicotinic receptor. Biochemistry 2014; 53:908-18. [PMID: 24437521 PMCID: PMC3971955 DOI: 10.1021/bi400969x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To characterize the binding sites of mecamylamine enantiomers on the transmembrane domain (TMD) of human (h) (α4)3(β2)2 and (α4)2(β2)3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), we used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), molecular docking, and radioligand binding approaches. The interactions of (S)-(+)- and (R)-(-)-mecamylamine with several residues, determined by high-resolution NMR, within the hα4β2-TMD indicate different modes of binding at several luminal (L) and nonluminal (NL) sites. In general, the residues sensitive to each mecamylamine enantiomer are similar at both receptor stoichiometries. However, some differences were observed. The molecular docking experiments were crucial for delineating the location and orientation of each enantiomer in its binding site. In the (α4)2(β2)3-TMD, (S)-(+)-mecamylamine interacts with the L1 (i.e., between positions -3' and -5') and L2 (i.e., between positions 16' and 20') sites, whereas the β2-intersubunit (i.e., cytoplasmic end of two β2-TMDs) and α4/β2-intersubunit (i.e., cytoplasmic end of α4-TM1 and β2-TM3) sites are shared by both enantiomers. In the (α4)3(β2)2-TMD, both enantiomers bind with different orientations to the L1' (closer to ring 2') and α4-intrasubunit (i.e., at the cytoplasmic ends of α4-TM1 and α4-TM2) sites, but only (R)-(-)-mecamylamine interacts with the L2' (i.e., closer to ring 20') and α4-TM3-intrasubunit sites. Our findings are important because they provide, for the first time, a structural understanding of the allosteric modulation elicited by mecamylamine enantiomers at each hα4β2 stoichiometry. This advancement could be beneficial for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of several neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasyl Bondarenko
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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Nickell JR, Grinevich VP, Siripurapu KB, Smith AM, Dwoskin LP. Potential therapeutic uses of mecamylamine and its stereoisomers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 108:28-43. [PMID: 23603417 PMCID: PMC3690754 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mecamylamine (3-methylaminoisocamphane hydrochloride) is a nicotinic parasympathetic ganglionic blocker, originally utilized as a therapeutic agent to treat hypertension. Mecamylamine administration produces several deleterious side effects at therapeutically relevant doses. As such, mecamylamine's use as an antihypertensive agent was phased out, except in severe hypertension. Mecamylamine easily traverses the blood-brain barrier to reach the central nervous system (CNS), where it acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist, inhibiting all known nAChR subtypes. Since nAChRs play a major role in numerous physiological and pathological processes, it is not surprising that mecamylamine has been evaluated for its potential therapeutic effects in a wide variety of CNS disorders, including addiction. Importantly, mecamylamine produces its therapeutic effects on the CNS at doses 3-fold lower than those used to treat hypertension, which diminishes the probability of peripheral side effects. This review focuses on the pharmacological properties of mecamylamine, the differential effects of its stereoisomers, S(+)- and R(-)-mecamylamine, and the potential for effectiveness in treating CNS disorders, including nicotine and alcohol addiction, mood disorders, cognitive impairment and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Nickell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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Harris AC, Manbeck KE, Schmidt CE, Shelley D. Mecamylamine elicits withdrawal-like signs in rats following a single dose of nicotine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 225:291-302. [PMID: 22868410 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2814-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The ability of nicotine to induce dependence (result in a withdrawal syndrome) is typically thought to require long-term, daily smoking. Emerging evidence suggests that symptoms of nicotine withdrawal may occur following only a few cigarettes. Whether acute exposure to nicotine can induce dependence in animals has not been well established. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper is to examine whether the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine elicits withdrawal-like signs in rats following acute nicotine exposure. METHODS AND RESULTS Mecamylamine (3.0 mg/kg, s.c.) administered ≈2 h after a single dose of nicotine (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) elicited increases in intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) thresholds and somatic signs, two well-established effects of withdrawal from long-term (chronic) nicotine exposure. The magnitude of these effects remained constant across five daily test sessions. A lower dose of mecamylamine (1.5 mg/kg, s.c.) had little or no effect on ICSS thresholds or somatic signs following acute nicotine exposure, but precipitated robust increases in these measures during a chronic nicotine infusion. Finally, rats exhibited a small increase in ICSS thresholds over time following a single nicotine injection (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.), possibly reflecting a modest spontaneous withdrawal-like effect. CONCLUSIONS Mecamylamine elicited withdrawal-like signs in rats following a single dose of nicotine. The different effects of mecamylamine 1.5 mg/kg following acute versus chronic nicotine exposure supports the notion that these models simulate the early and more advanced stages of nicotine dependence, respectively. While further optimization and validation of these models is necessary, they may provide a novel approach for studying the earliest stages of nicotine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Harris
- Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, 914 South 8th St. S-3 Labs, 860, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA.
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Arnold LE, Aman MG, Hollway J, Hurt E, Bates B, Li X, Farmer C, Anand R, Thompson S, Ramadan Y, Williams C. Placebo-controlled pilot trial of mecamylamine for treatment of autism spectrum disorders. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2012; 22:198-205. [PMID: 22537359 PMCID: PMC3417385 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2011.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore possible benefits of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agent for autistic symptoms based on postmortem observation of nAChR abnormalities (deficient α4β2 nAChRs, excess α7 nAChRs) in brains of patients with autism. METHOD Mecamylamine, because of its safety record in children with other disorders, was chosen for this first exploration. Twenty children with autism spectrum disorder age 4-12 years were randomly assigned for 14 weeks to placebo (n=8) or mecamylamine (n=12) in ascending fixed doses: 0.5 mg/day for 6 weeks, 2.5 mg for 2 weeks, then 5 mg/day for 6 weeks. Improvement was rated by a blinded independent evaluator. Because of small sample, data analysis was descriptive. RESULTS Eighteen participants (10 mecamylamine, 8 placebo) completed the study. All doses were well tolerated; the only side effect of note was constipation (50% compared with 25% of placebo group). Three children had clinically nonsignificant electrocardiographic QT prolongation. Both groups showed modest to moderate improvement, but differences between groups were negligible. On the primary outcome measure, the Ohio Autism Clinical Impressions Scale, 90% of the active treatment group showed improvement at some point (but only 40% sustained it), compared with 62% on placebo. Of the four in active treatment that sustained improvement, three had a maximum dose of 0.13-0.15 mg/kg/day, while those who regressed had doses ≥0.18 mg/kg/day. Graphed means suggested better outcome with lower mg/kg and longer medication duration. Four parents spontaneously reported reduced hyperactivity and irritability and better verbalization and continued mecamylamine at their own expense. CONCLUSION Mecamylamine appeared to be safe, but not very effective in autism. The suggestion of better results at lower doses and longer exposure warrants consideration for future trials. The next step would be exploration of a more specific α4β2 nAChR agonist, such as varenicline.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Eugene Arnold
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Michael G. Aman
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jill Hollway
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth Hurt
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Bethany Bates
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Xiaobai Li
- Department of Statistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Cristan Farmer
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rene Anand
- Department of Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Susan Thompson
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yaser Ramadan
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Craig Williams
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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39
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Kim SY, Kang KL, Lee JC, Heo JS. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 and β4 subunits contribute nicotine-induced apoptosis in periodontal ligament stem cells. Mol Cells 2012; 33:343-50. [PMID: 22382680 PMCID: PMC3887805 DOI: 10.1007/s10059-012-2172-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Revised: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine, a major component of cigarette smoking, is the important risk factor for the development of periodontal disease. However, the mechanisms that underlie the cytotoxicity of nicotine in human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are largely unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effect of nicotine by means of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activation in PDLSCs. We first detected α7 and β4 nAChRs in PDLSCs. The gene expressions of α7 and β4 nAChR were increased by nicotine administration. Nicotine significantly decreased cell viability at a concentration higher than 10(-5) M. DNA fragmentation was also detected at high doses of nicotine treatment. Moreover, the detection of sub G1 phase and TUNEL assay demonstrated that nicotine significantly induced apoptotic cell death at 10(-2) M concentration. Western blot analysis confirmed that p53 proteins were phosphorylated by nicotine. Under various doses of nicotine, a decrease in the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, but an increase in p53 and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels, was detected in a dose-dependent manner. However, the apoptotic effect of nicotine was inhibited by the pretreatment of α-bungarotoxin, a selective α7 nAChR antagonist or mecamylamine, a non-selective nAChR antagonist. Finally, increases in the subG1 phase and DNA fragmentation by nicotine was attenuated by each nAChR antagonist. Collectively, the presence of α7 and β4 nAChRs in PDLSCs supports a key role of nAChRs in the modulation of nicotine-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Yeon Kim
- Department of Maxillofacial Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701,
Korea
| | - Kyung Lhi Kang
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701,
Korea
| | - Jeong-Chae Lee
- Institute of Oral Biosciences, Cluster for CraniofacialDevelopment and Regeneration Research and School of Dentistry (Brain Korea 21 Program), Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756,
Korea
| | - Jung Sun Heo
- Department of Maxillofacial Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701,
Korea
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40
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Myhrer T, Enger S, Jonassen M, Aas P. Enhanced efficacy of anticonvulsants when combined with levetiracetam in soman-exposed rats. Neurotoxicology 2011; 32:923-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2011.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Revised: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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41
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Kirshenbaum AP, Jackson ER, Brown SJ, Fuchs JR, Miltner BC, Doughty AH. Nicotine-induced impulsive action: sensitization and attenuation by mecamylamine. Behav Pharmacol 2011; 22:207-21. [PMID: 21448062 PMCID: PMC3151674 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e328345ca1c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A conjunctive variable-interval differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (VI-DRL, n=18) responding schedule and a stop-signal task (n=18) were used to evaluate the disinhibiting effects of nicotine on response withholding in rats. Sucrose solution was used to reinforce responding, and after a stable baseline was achieved under saline-administration conditions, 0.3 mg/kg nicotine was delivered before each session. Experiment 1 showed that repeated, but not the initial, administration of nicotine decreased performance on both tasks, and the effect of sensitization followed a similar timeline; 10 consecutive doses resulted in poorer proportion-correct VI-DRL trials and percent correct stop trials than the initial dose of nicotine. Furthermore, sensitization to 0.3 mg/kg nicotine decreased performance regardless of whether a spaced or consecutive-dosing regimen was followed. Experiment 2 was designed to test whether mecamylamine hydrochloride (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) could attenuate the effects of repeated 0.3 mg/kg nicotine administration, and the degree to which mecamylamine attenuation of the effect of nicotine to produce impulsive action was relative to dose. Results from experiment 2 showed that response disinhibition, as evaluated using the VI-DRL and stop-signal tasks, is related in a systematic manner to nicotinic-acetylcholine receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari P Kirshenbaum
- Saint Michael's College, Krikstone Lab for the Behavioral Sciences, Colchester, Vermont 05443, USA.
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42
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Chatterjee S, Bartlett SE. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors as pharmacotherapeutic targets for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2010; 9:60-76. [PMID: 20201817 DOI: 10.2174/187152710790966597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2009] [Accepted: 12/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are complex, and developing effective treatments will require the combination of novel medications and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches. Epidemiological studies have shown there is a high correlation between alcohol consumption and tobacco use, and the prevalence of smoking in alcoholics is as high as 80% compared to about 30% for the general population. Both preclinical and clinical data provide evidence that nicotine administration increases alcohol intake and non-specific nicotinic receptor antagonists reduce alcohol-mediated behaviors. As nicotine interacts specifically with the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) system, this suggests that nAChRs play an important role in the behavioral effects of alcohol. In this review, we discuss the importance of nAChRs for the treatment of AUDs and argue that the use of FDA approved nAChR ligands, such as varenicline and mecamylamine, approved as smoking cessation aids may prove to be valuable treatments for AUDs. We also address the importance of combining effective medications with behavioral therapy for the treatment of alcohol dependent individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chatterjee
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at the University of California San Francisco, 5858 Horton Street, Suite 200 Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
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43
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Campochiaro PA, Shah SM, Hafiz G, Heier JS, Lit ES, Zimmer-Galler I, Channa R, Nguyen QD, Syed B, Do DV, Lu L, Monk J, Cooke JP, Kengatharan MK, Hsu HH. Topical mecamylamine for diabetic macular edema. Am J Ophthalmol 2010; 149:839-51.e1. [PMID: 20189159 PMCID: PMC3143041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2009.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2009] [Revised: 11/28/2009] [Accepted: 12/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptors on vascular endothelial cells promotes angiogenesis and vascular permeability in animal models. The safety and bioactivity of topical mecamylamine, an antagonist of nACh receptors, was tested in patients with diabetic macular edema. DESIGN A multicenter phase I/II clinical trial. METHODS Twenty-three patients with chronic diabetic macular edema received 1% mecamylamine topically twice daily for 12 weeks, the primary end point. Patients underwent safety assessments, measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and measurement of foveal thickness using optical coherence tomography at baseline, 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. RESULTS Mecamylamine drops were well tolerated and there were no drug-related safety problems. Mean improvement in BCVA at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks was 2.8, 1.9, 2.4, 0.8, and 3.1 letters, respectively. There was little change in mean excess foveal thickness. There was substantial heterogeneity in response, because 8 patients showed convincing improvement in BCVA, foveal thickness, or both, 9 patients showed equivocal or no substantial changes, and 4 patients showed worsening. Five patients showed a substantial improvement in BCVA, foveal thickness, or both between their last visit while receiving mecamylamine and 1 month after stopping mecamylamine. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that administration of topical mecamylamine, a nonspecific nACh receptor blocker, may have heterogeneous effects in patients with diabetic macular edema. Variable expression of nACh receptor subtypes on endothelial cells that have different effects on permeability would provide an explanation for these results and should be investigated, because more specific nACh receptor blockers may dissociate antipermeability and propermeability effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Campochiaro
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-9277, USA.
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44
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Bacher I, Wu B, Shytle DR, George TP. Mecamylamine - a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist with potential for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2010; 10:2709-21. [PMID: 19874251 DOI: 10.1517/14656560903329102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mecamylamine (Inversine), the first orally available antihypertensive agent launched in the 1950s, is rarely used today for hypertension because of its widespread ganglionic side effects at antihypertensive doses (25 - 90 mg/day). However, more recent clinical studies suggest that mecamylamine is effective at much lower doses for blocking the central and peripheral effects of nicotine. Pharmacologically, mecamylamine has been well characterized as a nonselective and noncompetitive antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Because mecamylamine easily crosses the blood - brain barrier at relatively low doses (2.5 - 10 mg), it has been used by several research groups over the past two decades investigating the role of central nAChRs in the etiology and treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including addiction disorders, Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia and various cognitive and mood disorders. Two independent Phase II clinical trials recently confirmed mecamylamine's hypothesized antidepressant activity and suggest that it may be effective as an augmentation pharmacotherapy for SSRI treatment resistant major depression. These areas of investigation for mecamylamine are reviewed and recommendations for future research directions are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Bacher
- University of Toronto, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada.
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45
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Mecamylamine, dihydro-beta-erythroidine, and dextromethorphan block conditioned responding evoked by the conditional stimulus effects of nicotine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2009; 94:319-28. [PMID: 19778551 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2009.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Current smokers express the desire to quit. However, the majority find it difficult to remain abstinent. As such, research efforts continually seek to develop more effective treatment. One such area of research involves the interoceptive stimulus effects of nicotine as either a discriminative stimulus in an operant drug discrimination task, or more recently as a conditional stimulus (CS) in a discriminated goal-tracking task. The present work investigated the potential role nicotinic acetylcholine receptors play in the CS effects of nicotine (0.4mg/kg) using antagonists with differential selectivity for beta2*, alpha7*, alpha6beta2*, and alpha3beta4* receptors. Methyllycaconitine (MLA) had no effect on nicotine-evoked conditioned responding. Mecamylamine and dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHbetaE) dose-dependently blocked responding evoked by the nicotine CS. In a time-course assessment of mecamylamine and DHbetaE, each blocked conditioned responding when given 5min before testing and still blocked conditioned responding when administered 200min before testing. Two novel bis-picolinium analogs (N, N'-(3, 3'-(dodecan-1,12-diyl)-bis-picolinium dibromide [bPiDDB], and N, N'-(decan-1,10-diyl)-bis-picolinium diiodide [bPiDI]) did not block nicotine-evoked conditioned responding. Finally, pretreatment with low dose combinations of mecamylamine, dextromethorphan, and/or bupropion was used to target alpha3beta4* receptors. No combination blocked conditioned responding evoked by the training dose of nicotine. However, a combination of mecamylamine and dextromethorphan partially blocked nicotine-evoked conditioned responding to a lower dose of nicotine (0.1mg/kg). These results indicate that beta2* and potentially alpha3beta4* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors play a role in the CS effects of nicotine and are potential targets for the development of nicotine cessation aids.
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46
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Breivik T, Gundersen Y, Gjermo P, von Hörsten S, Opstad PK. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation mediates nicotine-induced enhancement of experimental periodontitis. J Periodontal Res 2009; 44:297-304. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2009.01223.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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47
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Mechanism-based medication development for the treatment of nicotine dependence. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2009; 30:723-39. [PMID: 19434058 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2009.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tobacco use is a global problem with serious health consequences. Though some treatment options exist, there remains a great need for new effective pharmacotherapies to aid smokers in maintaining long-term abstinence. In the present article, we first discuss the neural mechanisms underlying nicotine reward, and then review various mechanism-based pharmacological agents for the treatment of nicotine dependence. An oversimplified hypothesis of addiction to tobacco is that nicotine is the major addictive component of tobacco. Nicotine binds to alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) located on dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system, which causes an increase in extracellular DA in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). That increase in DA reinforces tobacco use, particularly during the acquisition phase. Enhanced glutamate transmission to DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area appears to play an important role in this process. In addition, chronic nicotine treatment increases endocannabinoid levels in the mesolimbic DA system, which indirectly modulates NAc DA release and nicotine reward. Accordingly, pharmacological agents that target brain acetylcholine, DA, glutamate, GABA, or endocannabonoid signaling systems have been proposed to interrupt nicotine action. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic strategies that alter plasma nicotine availability, metabolism and clearance also significantly alter nicotine's action in the brain. Progress using these pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic agents is reviewed. For drugs in each category, we discuss the mechanistic rationale for their potential anti-nicotine efficacy, major findings in preclinical and clinical studies, and future research directions.
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48
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Zheng C, Wang MY, Liu Q, Wakui M, Whiteaker P, Lukas RJ, Wu J. U18666A, a cholesterol-inhibition agent, modulates human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors heterologously expressed in SH-EP1 cell line. J Neurochem 2009; 108:1526-38. [PMID: 19183258 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.05903.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluate the effects of (3beta)-3-[2-(diethylamino)ethoxy]androst-5-en-17-one dihydrochloride (U18666A), a cholesterol synthesis/transporter inhibitor, on selected human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) heterologously expressed in the SH-EP1 cell line using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. The results indicate that with 2-min pretreatment, U18666A inhibited different nAChR subtypes with a rank-order of potency (IC(50) of whole-cell peak current): alpha4beta2 (8.0 +/- 3.0 nM) > alpha3beta2 (1.7 +/- 0.4 microM) > alpha4beta4 (26 +/- 7.2 microM) > alpha7 (> 100 microM), suggesting this compound is more selective to alpha4beta2-nAChRs. Thus, the pharmacological profiles and mechanisms of U18666A acting on alpha4beta2-nAChRs were investigated in detail. U18666A suppresses both peak and steady state components of whole-cell currents mediated by human alpha4beta2-nAChRs in response to nicotine. In nicotine-induced concentration-response curves, U18666A reduces nicotine-induced current at maximally effective agonist concentrations without influencing nicotine's EC(50) value, suggesting a non-competitive inhibition. U18666A-induced inhibition of nAChR function is concentration-, voltage-, and use-dependent, suggesting an open channel block. Taken into consideration of approximately 10 000-fold enhancement of the potency of U18666A after 2-min pre-treatment, this compound also likely inhibits alpha4beta2-nAChRs through a close channel block. In addition, the U18666A-induced inhibition in alpha4beta2-nAChRs is not mediated by either increased receptor endocytosis or altered cell cholesterol. These data indicate that U18666A is a potent antagonist of alpha4beta2-nAChRs and may be useful as a tool in the functional characterization and pharmacological profiling of nAChRs, as well as a potential candidate for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zheng
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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49
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Breivik T, Gundersen Y, Gjermo P, von Hörsten S, Opstad PK. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation mediates nicotine-induced enhancement of experimental periodontitis. J Periodontal Res 2009; 44:110-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2008.01095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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50
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Arias HR, Richards VE, Ng D, Ghafoori ME, Le V, Mousa SA. Role of non-neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in angiogenesis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 41:1441-51. [PMID: 19401144 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2009.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 01/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a critical physiological process for cell survival and development. Endothelial cells, necessary for the course of angiogenesis, express several non-neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). The most important functional non-neuronal AChRs are homomeric alpha7 AChRs and several heteromeric AChRs formed by a combination of alpha3, alpha5, beta2, and beta4 subunits, including alpha3beta4-containing AChRs. In endothelial cells, alpha7 AChR stimulation indirectly triggers the activation of the integrin alphavbeta3 receptor and an intracellular MAP kinase (ERK) pathway that mediates angiogenesis. Non-selective cholinergic agonists such as nicotine have been shown to induce angiogenesis, enhancing tumor progression. Moreover, alpha7 AChR selective antagonists such as alpha-bungarotoxin and methyllycaconitine as well as the non-specific antagonist mecamylamine have been shown to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and ultimately blood vessel formation. Exploitation of such pharmacologic properties can lead to the discovery of new specific cholinergic antagonists as anti-cancer therapies. Conversely, the pro-angiogenic effect elicited by specific agonists can be used to treat diseases that respond to revascularization such as diabetic ischemia and atherosclerosis, as well as to accelerate wound healing. In this mini-review we discuss the pharmacological evidence supporting the importance of non-neuronal AChRs in angiogenesis. We also explore potential intracellular mechanisms by which alpha7 AChR activation mediates this vital cellular process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R Arias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308-3550, USA.
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