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Wang JT, Rodrigo AC, Patterson AK, Hawkins K, Aly MMS, Sun J, Al Jamal KT, Smith DK. Enhanced Delivery of Neuroactive Drugs via Nasal Delivery with a Self-Healing Supramolecular Gel. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101058. [PMID: 34029010 PMCID: PMC8292877 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports the use of a self-assembling hydrogel as a delivery vehicle for the Parkinson's disease drug l-DOPA. Based on a two-component combination of an l-glutamine amide derivative and benzaldehyde, this gel has very soft rheological properties and self-healing characteristics. It is demonstrated that the gel can be formulated to encapsulate l-DOPA. These drug-loaded gels are characterized, and rapid release of the drug is obtained from the gel network. This drug-loaded hydrogel has appropriate rheological characteristics to be amenable for injection. This system is therefore tested as a vehicle for nasal delivery of neurologically-active drugs-a drug delivery strategy that can potentially avoid first pass liver metabolism and bypass the blood-brain barrier, hence enhancing brain uptake. In vitro tests indicate that the gel has biocompatibility with respect to nasal epithelial cells. Furthermore, animal studies demonstrate that the nasal delivery of a gel loaded with 3 H-labeled l-DOPA out-performed a simple intranasal l-DOPA solution. This is attributed to longer residence times of the gel in the nasal cavity resulting in increased blood and brain concentrations. It is demonstrated that the likely routes of brain penetration of intranasally-delivered l-DOPA gel involve the trigeminal and olfactory nerves connecting to other brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Tzu‐Wen Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and MedicineKing's College London150 Stamford streetLondonSE1 9NHUK
| | - Ana C. Rodrigo
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkYO10 5DDUK
| | | | - Kirsten Hawkins
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkYO10 5DDUK
| | - Mazen M. S. Aly
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and MedicineKing's College London150 Stamford streetLondonSE1 9NHUK
| | - Jia Sun
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and MedicineKing's College London150 Stamford streetLondonSE1 9NHUK
| | - Khuloud T. Al Jamal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and MedicineKing's College London150 Stamford streetLondonSE1 9NHUK
| | - David K. Smith
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkYO10 5DDUK
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Fazari B, Ilieva Decheva C, González García V, Abdel-Hafiz L, Nikolaus S, Hollenberg CP, Huston JP, de Souza Silva MA, Mattern C. Intranasal pregnenolone increases acetylcholine in frontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala-Preferentially in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the injected nostril. J Neurochem 2019; 153:189-202. [PMID: 31755558 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study determined the effects of intranasal pregnenolone (IN-PREG) on acetylcholine (ACh) levels in selected areas of the rat brain, using in vivo microdialysis. Previous studies showed that PREG rapidly reaches the rodent brain after intranasal administration and that direct infusion of PREG and PREG-S into the basal forebrain modulates ACh release in frontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. In the present study, we investigated the effects of IN-PREG on the cholinergic system in the rat brain. In the first experiment, IN-PREG (5.6 and 11.2 mg/ml) or vehicle was applied bilaterally, and we hypothesized that IN-PREG would increase ACh levels in amygdala, hippocampus, and frontal cortex, relative to baseline and vehicle. Dialysate was collected for 100 min, based on pilot data of duration of effect. Bilateral IN-PREG (5.6 and 11.2 mg/ml) increased frontal cortex and hippocampal ACh relative to both baseline and vehicle. Moreover, 11.2 mg/ml PREG increased ACh in the amygdala relative to baseline, the lower dose, and vehicle. Therefore, in the second experiment, IN-PREG (11.2 mg/ml) was applied only into one nostril, with vehicle applied into the other nostril, in order to determine whether ACh is predominantly increased in the ipsilateral relative to the contralateral amygdala. Unilateral application of IN-PREG increased ACh in the ipsilateral amygdala, whereas no effect was observed on the contralateral side, suggesting that PREG was transported from the nostrils to the brain via the olfactory epithelial pathway, but not by circulation. The present data provide additional information on IN-PREG action in the cholinergic system of frontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. This may be relevant for therapeutic IN application of PREG in neurogenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Fazari
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Cvetana Ilieva Decheva
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Victoria González García
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Laila Abdel-Hafiz
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Susanne Nikolaus
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Cornelis P Hollenberg
- Institute of Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joseph P Huston
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maria A de Souza Silva
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claudia Mattern
- M et P Pharma AG, Emetten, Switzerland.,Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
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Felmer AC, Janson MT, Summers KE, Wallace LJ. Extracellular dopamine kinetic parameters consistent with amphetamine effects. Synapse 2019; 73:e22129. [DOI: 10.1002/syn.22129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna C. Felmer
- Division of Pharmacology College of Pharmacy The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
| | - Marnie T. Janson
- Division of Pharmacology College of Pharmacy The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
| | - Katherine E. Summers
- Division of Pharmacology College of Pharmacy The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
| | - Lane J. Wallace
- Division of Pharmacology College of Pharmacy The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
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Intra-nasal dopamine alleviates cognitive deficits in tgDISC1 rats which overexpress the human DISC1 gene. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 146:12-20. [PMID: 29107702 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) gene has been associated with mental illnesses such as major depression and schizophrenia. The transgenic DISC1 (tgDISC1) rat, which overexpresses the human DISC1 gene, is known to exhibit deficient dopamine (DA) homeostasis. To ascertain whether the DISC1 gene also impacts cognitive functions, 14-15 months old male tgDISC1 rats and wild-type controls were subjected to the novel object preference (NOP) test and the object-based attention test (OBAT) in order to assess short-term memory (1 h), long-term memory (24 h), and attention. RESULTS The tgDISC1 group exhibited intact short-term memory, but deficient long-term-memory in the NOP test and deficient attention-related behavior in the OBAT. In a different group of tgDISC1 rats, 3 mg/kg intranasally applied dopamine (IN-DA) or its vehicle was applied prior to the NOP or the OBAT test. IN-DA reversed cognitive deficits in both the NOP and OBAT tests. In a further cohort of tgDISC1 rats, post-mortem levels of DA, noradrenaline, serotonin and acetylcholine were determined in a variety of brain regions. The tgDISC1 group had less DA in the neostriatum, hippocampus and amygdala, less acetylcholine in neostriatum, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, and amygdala, more serotonin in the nucleus accumbens, and less serotonin and noradrenaline in the amygdala. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that DISC1 overexpression and misassembly is associated with deficits in long-term memory and attention-related behavior. Since behavioral impairments in tgDISC1 rats were reversed by IN-DA, DA deficiency may be a major cause for the behavioral deficits expressed in this model.
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Talbot T, Mattern C, de Souza Silva MA, Brandão ML. Intranasal administration of dopamine attenuates unconditioned fear in that it reduces restraint-induced ultrasound vocalizations and escape from bright light. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:682-690. [PMID: 28135884 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116686882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although substantial evidence suggests that dopamine (DA) enhances conditioned fear responses, few studies have examined the role of DA in unconditioned fear states. Whereas DA does not cross the blood-brain barrier, intranasally-applied dopamine reaches the brain directly via the nose-brain pathways in rodents, providing an alternative means of targeting DA receptors. Intranasal dopamine (IN-DA) has been demonstrated to bind to DA transporters and to increase extracellular DA in the striatum as well as having memory-promoting effects in rats. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of IN-DA in three tests of fear/anxiety. METHODS The three doses of DA hydrochloride (0.03, 0.3, or 1 mg/kg) were applied in a viscous castor oil gel in a volume of 5 µl to each of both nostrils of adult Wistar rats prior to testing of (a) escape from a bright light, using a two-chamber procedure, (b) restraint-induced 22 kHz ultrasound vocalizations (USVs), and (c) exploratory behavior in the elevated plus-maze (EPM). RESULTS IN-DA dose-dependently reduced escape from bright light and the number of USV responses to restraint. It had no influence on the exploratory behavior in the EPM. CONCLUSIONS IN-DA application reduced escape behavior in two tests of unconditioned fear (escape from bright light and USV response to immobilization). These findings may be interpreted in light of the known antidepressant action of IN-DA and DA reuptake blockers. The results also confirm the promise of the nasal route as an alternative means for targeting the brain's dopaminergic receptors with DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teddy Talbot
- 1 Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Mattern
- 4 Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.,5 M et P Pharma AG, Emmetten, Switzerland
| | - Maria Angelica de Souza Silva
- 3 Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marcus Lira Brandão
- 1 Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Intranasal delivery of dopamine to the striatum using glycol chitosan/sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin based nanoparticles. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2015; 94:180-93. [PMID: 26032293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate chitosan (CS)-, glycol chitosan (GCS)- and corresponding thiomer-based nanoparticles (NPs) for delivering dopamine (DA) to the brain by nasal route. Thus, the polyanions tripolyphosphate and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD), respectively, were used as polycation crosslinking agents and SBE-β-CD also in order to enhance the DA stability. The most interesting formulation, containing GCS and SBE-β-CD, was denoted as DA GCS/DA-CD NPs. NMR spectroscopy demonstrated an inclusion complex formation between SBE-β-CD and DA. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of DA on the external surface of NPs. DA GCS/DA-CD NPs showed cytotoxic effect toward Olfactory Ensheathing Cells only at higher dosage. Acute administration of DA GCS/DA-CD NPs into the right nostril of rats did not modify the levels of the neurotransmitter in both right and left striatum. Conversely, repeated intranasal administration of DA GCS/DA-CD NPs into the right nostril significantly increased DA in the ipsilateral striatum. Fluorescent microscopy of olfactory bulb after acute administration of DA fluorescent-labeled GCS/DA-CD NPs into the right nostril showed the presence of NPs only in the right olfactory bulb and no morphological tissue damage occurred. Thus, these GCS based NPs could be potentially used as carriers for nose-to-brain DA delivery for the Parkinson's disease treatment.
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Nikolaus S, Beu M, De Souza Silva AM, Huston JP, Hautzel H, Chao OY, Antke C, Müller HW. Relationship between L-DOPA-induced reduction in motor and exploratory activity and degree of DAT binding in the rat. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:431. [PMID: 25566000 PMCID: PMC4269131 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The present study assessed the influence of L-DOPA administration on neostriatal dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) binding in relation to motor and exploratory behaviors in the rat. Methods: Rats received injections of 5 mg/kg L-DOPA, 10 mg/kg L-DOPA or vehicle. Motor and exploratory behaviors were assessed for 30 min in an open field prior to administration of [123I]FP-CIT. Dopamine transporter binding was measured with small animal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) 2 h after radioligand administration for 60 min. Results: Both L-DOPA doses significantly reduced DAT binding and led to significantly less head-shoulder motility and more sitting relative to vehicle. Moreover, 10 mg/kg L-DOPA induced less distance traveled and ambulation than 5 mg/kg L-DOPA. Analysis of time-behavior (t-b) curves showed that L-DOPA-treated animals relative to vehicle exhibited (1) a faster rate of increase in duration of sitting; (2) a slower rate of increase in duration of head-shoulder motility; and (3) a slower rate of decrease in frequency of head-shoulder motility. Conclusions: The reductions of striatal DAT binding after L-DOPA challenges reflected elevated concentrations of synaptic DA. L-DOPA-treated animals showed less head-shoulder motility and more sitting than vehicle-treated animals, indicating an association between less behavioral activity and increased availability of striatal DA. The faster increase of sitting duration to a higher final level and the slower increase of head-shoulder motility to a lower final level relative to controls may be interpreted in terms on behavioral habituation to a novel environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Nikolaus
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus Beu
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Angelica Maria De Souza Silva
- Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joseph P Huston
- Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hubertus Hautzel
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Owen Y Chao
- Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Antke
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Wilhelm Müller
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany
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Kashiwayanagi M. [Characteristics of olfactory epithelium and manipulations of neural functions in the brain by the intranasal administration]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2014; 132:1247-53. [PMID: 23123715 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.12-00229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory cells receive numerous odorants including toxic substances. To avoid complete loss of the olfactory function by toxic odorants, continuous neurogenesis of olfactory cells occurs even at adulthood. Newly generated olfactory neurons extend their axons to the olfactory bulb. Various molecules including polypeptides, proteins, polynucleotides, virus, and cells administrated intranasally have been reported to move from the olfactory epithelium to the brain tissue via the olfactory epithelium-olfactory bulb pathway. I discuss the pathway of substances intranasally administrated to the brain from the view point of characteristics of the olfactory epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kashiwayanagi
- Department of Sensory Physiology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Kholodar AV, Amikishieva AV, Anisimov MP. Effects of Intranasal Administration of Dopamine on Anxiety and Locomotor Activity in Two Mouse Strains. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-013-9747-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wallace LJ. Effects of amphetamine on subcellular distribution of dopamine and DOPAC. Synapse 2012; 66:592-607. [PMID: 22314940 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamine effects on distribution of dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and amphetamine in vesicular, cytosolic, and extracellular compartments associated with a striatal varicosity were estimated through use of a computer simulation model. In addition, contribution to overall effects of amphetamine by each of five actions--transport by dopamine transporter (DAT), transport by vesicular monoamine transporter, stimulation of reverse transport, inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO), and slowing of dopamine cell firing rate--were evaluated. Amphetamine enters a varicosity almost entirely by DAT and accumulates to very high levels within the varicosity. Both reverse transport by DAT and passive diffusion contribute to continual amphetamine egress across the plasma membrane. Amphetamine enters storage vesicles by both transport and diffusion. The transport portion competes with dopamine storage, resulting in redistribution of approximately half of dopamine from vesicles to cytosol. The high concentration of amphetamine in the cytosol inhibits MAO, protecting cytosolic dopamine. A very small fraction of cytosolic dopamine is moved to extracellular compartment via reverse transport by DAT. The amount of dopamine moved by reverse transport is limited because of competition by very high cytosolic levels of amphetamine. In the presence of amphetamine, rate of dopamine transfer to extracellular compartment is less than control; however, high levels of extracellular dopamine are maintained because amphetamine occupies the DAT, thus limiting dopamine reuptake. Simulation output from a model using exchange-diffusion mechanism of reverse transport does not match all published data that were simulated, suggesting that inward transport of a substrate is not required to initiate reverse transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lane J Wallace
- Division of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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Chao OY, Mattern C, De Souza Silva AM, Weßler J, Ruocco LA, Nikolaus S, Huston JP, Pum ME. Intranasally applied l-DOPA alleviates parkinsonian symptoms in rats with unilateral nigro-striatal 6-OHDA lesions. Brain Res Bull 2012; 87:340-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Nikolaus S, Larisch R, Vosberg H, Beu M, Wirrwar A, Antke C, Kley K, Silva MADS, Huston JP, Müller HW. Pharmacological challenge and synaptic response - assessing dopaminergic function in the rat striatum with small animal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). Rev Neurosci 2011; 22:625-45. [PMID: 22103308 DOI: 10.1515/rns.2011.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Disturbances of dopaminergic neurotransmission may be caused by changes in concentrations of synaptic dopamine (DA) and/or availabilities of pre- and post-synaptic transporter and receptor binding sites. We present a series of experiments which focus on the regulatory mechanisms of the dopamin(DA)ergic synapse in the rat striatum. In these studies, DA transporter (DAT) and/or D(2) receptor binding were assessed with either small animal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) after pharmacological challenge with haloperidol, L-DOPA and methylphenidate, and after nigrostriatal 6-hydroxydopamine lesion. Investigations of DAT binding were performed with [(123)I]N-ω-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane ([(123)I]FP-CIT). D(2) receptor bindingd was assessed with either [(123)I](S)-2-hydroxy-3-iodo-6-methoxy-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]benzamide ([(123)I]IBZM) or [(18)F]1[3-(4'fluorobenzoyl)propyl]-4-(2-keto-3-methyl-1-benzimidazolinyl)piperidine ([(18)F]FMB). Findings demonstrate that in vivo investigations of transporter and/or receptor binding are feasible with small animal SPECT and PET. Therefore, tracers that are radiolabeled with isotopes of comparatively long half-lives such as (123)I may be employed. Our approach to quantify DAT and/or D(2) receptor binding at baseline and after pharmacological interventions inducing DAT blockade, D(2) receptor blockade, and increases or decreases of endogenous DA concentrations holds promise for the in vivo assessment of synaptic function. This pertains to animal models of diseases associated with pre- or postsynaptic DAergic deficiencies such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia or drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Nikolaus
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Shingaki T, Hidalgo IJ, Furubayashi T, Sakane T, Katsumi H, Yamamoto A, Yamashita S. Nasal delivery of P-gp substrates to the brain through the nose-brain pathway. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2011; 26:248-55. [PMID: 21317541 DOI: 10.2133/dmpk.dmpk-10-rg-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate in rats the potential utility of the nasal route to enhance central nervous system (CNS) delivery of drugs recognized by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Well-known P-gp substrates verapamil and talinolol were perfused nasally or infused intravenously, and when plasma concentrations following intravenous infusion and nasal perfusion showed similar profiles. The concentration of verapamil in the brain after nasal perfusion was twice that after intravenous infusion. Although talinolol in the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid after i.v. infusion were below the detection limit, it was detected after nasal perfusion. When rats were treated with cyclosporin A, brain concentrations of verapamil after both administration modes were increased significantly, while those of talinolol were not significantly changed. Since the permeability of talinolol is low, talinolol in the brain which was transported directly from the nasal cavity has little chance of transport by P-gp localized in the apical membrane of cerebral microvessel endothelial cells. The potential for drug delivery utilizing the nose-CNS route was confirmed for P-gp substrates. The advantage of nasal delivery over i.v. delivery of talinolol to the brain was more significant than that of verapamil, suggesting that nasal administration is more useful strategy for the brain delivery of low-permeability P-gp substrates than the use of P-gp inhibitors.
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Pum ME, Schäble S, Harooni HE, Topic B, De Souza Silva MA, Li JS, Huston JP, Mattern C. Effects of intranasally applied dopamine on behavioral asymmetries in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the nigro-striatal tract. Neuroscience 2009; 162:174-83. [PMID: 19401223 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2009] [Revised: 04/16/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Due to its lipophobic properties, dopamine is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier following systemic application. However, recently it has been demonstrated that, when applied directly via the nasal passages in the rat, dopamine exerts neurochemical and behavioural action, including increases of dopamine in striatal subregions, antidepressive-like action, and increased behavioral activity. These effects could potentially be mediated by exogenous dopamine acting as a direct agonist at postsynaptic dopamine receptors. However, it is also possible that intranasally applied dopamine acts indirectly via the modulation of the activity of dopaminergic cell bodies. To approach this question, the present study used rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the nigrostriatal tract, as these lesions lead to pharmacologically stimulated behavioural asymmetries which are specific for direct and indirect dopamine agonists. We found that 7 days of repeated treatment with intranasal dopamine induced a sensitization of the turning response to amphetamine, but not to apomorphine. Furthermore, intranasal dopamine dose-dependently increased the use of the forepaw ipsilateral to the 6-OHDA-lesioned side of the brain. These results suggest that intranasally administered dopamine acts via an indirect mechanism of action, putatively by increasing the release of endogenous dopamine in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Pum
- Institute of Physiological Psychology and Center for Biological and Medical Research, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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de Souza Silva MA, Mattern C, Topic B, Buddenberg TE, Huston JP. Dopaminergic and serotonergic activity in neostriatum and nucleus accumbens enhanced by intranasal administration of testosterone. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2009; 19:53-63. [PMID: 18818056 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Revised: 08/01/2008] [Accepted: 08/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone was administered intranasally in anesthetized male rats, and its effects on the activity of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the neostriatum and nucleus accumbens were assessed by means of microdialysis and HPLC. The treatment (0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg of testosterone or vehicle, 10 microl volume) was applied in both nostrils, half (5 microl) into each. Subcutaneous injections of testosterone (2.0, 4.0 or 8.0 mg/kg) or vehicle were tested in other subjects. Samples were collected for 5 h. In the neostriatum, an increase of dopamine occurred after 2.0 mg/kg. Serotonin levels increased after 1.0 mg/kg dose. In the nucleus accumbens, dopamine and serotonin increased after 1.0 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg doses. Subcutaneous administration of 8.0 mg/kg testosterone increased dopamine and serotonin in the neostriatum only. We conclude that intranasal administration of testosterone is a more efficacious way for targeting the brain than the subcutaneous route, and may be considered as a means to activate central dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A de Souza Silva
- Institute of Physiological Psychology and Center for Biological and Medical Research, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Pum ME, Carey RJ, Huston JP, Müller CP. Role of medial prefrontal, entorhinal, and occipital 5-HT in cocaine-induced place preference and hyperlocomotion: evidence for multiple dissociations. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 201:391-403. [PMID: 18762916 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Application of cocaine or exposure to cocaine-related stimuli induces widespread activation of the cortex in neuroimaging studies with human subjects. In accordance to these findings, it was reported in previous microdialysis experiments that cocaine increased serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine in various cortical brain areas. The present series of studies set out to investigate the functional role of the observed increases in 5-HT in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the entorhinal cortex (EC), and the occipital cortex (OccC) in the mediation of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and hyperactivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS To reduce 5-HTergic neurotransmission in circumscribed brain areas, bilateral local infusions of the serotonergic neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT), were made into the mPFC, EC, or OccC. Two weeks following surgery, cocaine-induced (10 mg/kg; i.p.) CPP was measured in an unbiased design. RESULTS The 90% depletion of 5-HT in the mPFC significantly attenuated the preference for the cocaine-associated environment and the hyperlocomotor response to cocaine. A 61% depletion of 5-HT in the EC reduced conditioned place preference without modulation of hyperactivity, while a 78% 5-HT depletion of the OccC cortex had no effect on cocaine-induced CPP and hyperactivity. No lesion affected general activity, habituation learning, or visual stimulation-induced behavioral activation. CONCLUSION These results indicate an important role of cortical 5-HT in the mediation of cocaine-induced CPP and specify the region-dependent contribution of a neurochemical response to cocaine-mediated behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Pum
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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17
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Dere E, Zlomuzica A, Viggiano D, Ruocco LA, Watanabe T, Sadile AG, Huston JP, De Souza-Silva MA. Episodic-like and procedural memory impairments in histamine H1 Receptor knockout mice coincide with changes in acetylcholine esterase activity in the hippocampus and dopamine turnover in the cerebellum. Neuroscience 2008; 157:532-41. [PMID: 18926883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Revised: 08/22/2008] [Accepted: 09/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We investigated episodic-like (ELM) and procedural memory (PM) in histamine H1 receptor knockout (H1R-KO) mice. In order to relate possible behavioral deficits to neurobiological changes, we examined H1R-KO and wild-type (WT) mice in terms of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in subregions of the hippocampus and AChE and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the striatum. Furthermore, we analyzed acetylcholine (ACh), 5-HT and dopamine (DA) levels, including metabolites, in the cerebellum of H1R-KO and WT mice. The homozygous H1R-KO mice showed impaired ELM as compared with the heterozygous H1R-KO and WT mice. The performance of homozygous H1R-KO mice in the ELM task was primarily driven by familiarity-based memory processes. While the homozygous H1R-KO mice performed similar to the heterozygous H1R-KO and WT mice during the acquisition of a PM, as measured with an accelerating rotarod, after a retention interval of 7 days their performance was impaired relative to the heterozygous H1R-KO and WT mice. These findings suggest that, both, ELM and long-term PM are impaired in the homozygous H1R-KO mice. Neurochemical assays revealed that the H1R-KO mice had significantly lower levels of AChE activity in the dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 subregions of the hippocampus as compared with the WT mice. The homozygous H1R-KO mice also displayed significantly reduced dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels and a reduced DOPAC/DA ratio in the cerebellum, suggesting that the DA turnover in the cerebellum is decelerated in homozygous H1R-KO mice. In conclusion, homozygous H1R-KO mice display severe long-term memory deficits in, both, ELM and PM, which coincide with changes in AChE activity in the hippocampus as well as DA turnover in the cerebellum. The importance of these findings for Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dere
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, Center for Biological and Medical Research, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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18
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de Souza Silva MA, Topic B, Huston JP, Mattern C. Intranasal administration of progesterone increases dopaminergic activity in amygdala and neostriatum of male rats. Neuroscience 2008; 157:196-203. [PMID: 18824215 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Revised: 09/02/2008] [Accepted: 09/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of intranasal administration of progesterone (PROG) on the activity of dopaminergic neurons in the brain of anesthetized rats by means of microdialysis. Male Wistar rats were implanted with guide cannulae in the basolateral amygdala and neostriatum. Three to 5 days later, they were anesthetized with urethane, and dialysis probes were inserted. After a stabilization period of 2 h, four 30-min samples were collected. Thereafter, the treatment (0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg of PROG dissolved in a viscous castor oil mixture, or vehicle) was applied into the nose in a volume of 10 microl (5 microl in each nostril). In other animals, an s.c. injection of PROG (1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg) or vehicle was given. Samples of both application ways were collected at 30-min interval for 4 h after the treatment and immediately analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection. Intranasal administration of 2 mg/kg of PROG led to an immediate (within 30 min after the treatment) significant increase in the basolateral amygdala dopamine levels. In the neostriatum, the 2 mg/kg dose led to a delayed significant increase in dopamine. S.c. administration of 4 mg/kg of PROG was followed by a delayed significant increase in dopamine, both, in the basolateral amygdala and neostriatum, but smaller in magnitude in comparison to the intranasal treatment. This is the first study to demonstrate dopamine-enhancing effects of PROG, not only in the neostriatum, but also in the basolateral amygdala. Our results indicate that the intranasal route of administration of PROG is a more efficacious way for targeting the brain than the s.c. route.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A de Souza Silva
- Institute of Physiological Psychology and Center for Biological and Medical Research, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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19
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Galactosylated dopamine enters into the brain, blocks the mesocorticolimbic system and modulates activity and scanning time in Naples high excitability rats. Neuroscience 2008; 152:234-44. [PMID: 18164552 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2007] [Revised: 10/31/2007] [Accepted: 11/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pathological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, have been linked to alterations of specific dopamine (DA) pathways. However, since exogenous DA does not cross the blood-brain barrier, DA levels can be modulated e.g. by DA precursors or DA reuptake blockers. Hereby histochemical, analytical and behavioral evidence shows that a galactosylated form of DA (GAL-DA) carries DA into the brain, thus modulating activity and nonselective attention in rats. To this aim adult male rats of the Naples high-excitability (NHE) and random bred controls (NRB) lines were given a single i.p. injection of GAL-DA (10 or 100 mg/kg). Three hours later the behavior was videotaped and analyzed for horizontal activity, orienting frequency and scanning duration. The dose of 100 mglkg of GAL-DA reduced by 25% the horizontal activity in NHE rats, mainly in the first part of the testing period. No effect was observed on orienting frequency or on scanning duration. However, GAL-DA 100 mg/kg was associated with longer rearing episodes in the second part of the testing period in NHE rats. In parallel experiments histochemistry with a galactose-specific lectin showed 10% increase in galactose residues into the striatum between 0.5 and 3.0 h. To quantify the level of GAL-DA, its metabolite DA-succinate and DA in the prefrontal cortex, neostriatum, and cerebellum, rats were killed 2.0 h after the injection of prodrug. Mass high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for analysis of GAL-DA and DA succinate whereas electrochemical HPLC for DA. Both HPLC techniques demonstrate that GAL-DA carries and releases DA into the brain. Specifically 100 mg/kg of GAL-DA increased DA level in the striatum in the NHE rats only. Moreover, DA in the mesencephalon (MES) was correlated positively with striatal and prefrontal cortex DA in NHE rats. In contrast DA in the MES was negatively correlated with striatal DA in NRB. GAL-DA disrupted these correlations in both rat lines. Thus, this new DA prodrug may modify DA neurotransmission and might have a potential clinical application.
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20
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de Souza Silva MA, Topic B, Huston JP, Mattern C. Intranasal dopamine application increases dopaminergic activity in the neostriatum and nucleus accumbens and enhances motor activity in the open field. Synapse 2008; 62:176-84. [PMID: 18081176 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) plays an important role in a number of behavioral processes and neurological disorders. The intranasal administration of DA provides improved brain penetrability in comparison to systemic administration. We investigated the effects of intranasal administration of DA on the activity of dopaminergic neurons of the mesostriatal and mesolimbic systems and on motor activity. Rats previously implanted with guide-cannulae in the neostriatum (NS) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) were submitted to microdialysis procedure under urethane anesthesia. Vehicle or DA (0.03, 0.3, or 3.0 mg/kg) was administered bilaterally into the nostrils. In a separate study, animals received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of vehicle or DA (0.03, 0.3, 3.0, or 30.0 mg/kg). Samples were collected every 10 min and analyzed for the content of DA and metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography. For the open field study, rats were given intranasal vehicle or DA (0.03, 0.3, or 3.0 mg/kg) and placed into the field for 30 min. Motor activity (locomotion and rearing) and grooming were analyzed in blocks of 10 min using Ethovision. Intranasal DA (3.0 mg/kg) significantly increased DA levels in the NS and NAc immediately after administration. A comparable effect was obtained only after i.p. administration of 30 mg/kg DA. In the open field, the 3.0 mg/kg dose significantly decreased grooming behavior in the second 10 min interval and significantly increased locomotor activity in the third 10 min interval. The data indicate that intranasal administration of DA can influence dopaminergic functions and motor activity, and has a potential application in the therapy of diseases affecting the dopaminergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A de Souza Silva
- Institute of Physiological Psychology and Center for Biological and Medical Research, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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21
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Zlomuzica A, Viggiano D, De Souza Silva MA, Ishizuka T, Carnevale UAG, Ruocco LA, Watanabe T, Sadile AG, Huston JP, Dere E. The histamine H1-receptor mediates the motivational effects of novelty. Eur J Neurosci 2008; 27:1461-74. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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22
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Ambrée O, Richter H, Sachser N, Lewejohann L, Dere E, de Souza Silva MA, Herring A, Keyvani K, Paulus W, Schäbitz WR. Levodopa ameliorates learning and memory deficits in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2008; 30:1192-204. [PMID: 18079024 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2007.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2007] [Revised: 11/01/2007] [Accepted: 11/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine plays an important role in learning and memory processes. A deficit of this neurotransmitter as it is apparent in Alzheimer's disease (AD) may contribute to cognitive decline, a major symptom of AD patients. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether or not stimulation of the dopaminergic system leads to an improvement of cognitive function and reduction of non-cognitive behavioral alterations in a murine model of AD. Transgenic and wild type male mice of the TgCRND8 line were treated either with the dopamine precursor levodopa or vehicle and tested in two learning tasks, the object-recognition task and the Barnes maze test. Additionally 24 h spontaneous behavior in the home cage was analyzed. In both memory tasks wild type mice performed significantly better than transgenics. However, transgenics treated with levodopa showed a significant object recognition memory and improved acquisition of spatial memory in the Barnes maze compared to vehicle treated transgenics. Concerning spontaneous behavior transgenic mice performed much more stereotypies than wild types. However, there was a trend for reduced stereotypies in the levodopa group in the time the drug was active. Neurochemical analysis revealed elevated levels of dopamine in the neostriata and frontal cortices and reduced levels in the hippocampi of transgenic mice compared to wild types. Thus cognitive deficits and stereotypies may be due to changes in the dopaminergic system as they could be ameliorated by levodopa treatment, that might also have a therapeutic significance for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Ambrée
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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23
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Merkus FWHM, van den Berg MP. Can nasal drug delivery bypass the blood-brain barrier?: questioning the direct transport theory. Drugs R D 2007; 8:133-44. [PMID: 17472409 DOI: 10.2165/00126839-200708030-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The connection between the nasal cavity and the CNS by the olfactory neurones has been investigated extensively during the last decades with regard to its feasibility to serve as a direct drug transport route to the CSF and brain. This drug transport route has gained much interest as it may circumvent the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents some drugs from entering the brain. Approximately 100 published papers mainly reporting animal experiments were reviewed to evaluate whether the experimental design used and the results generated provided adequate pharmacokinetic information to assess whether the investigated drug was transported directly from the olfactory area to the CNS. In the analysis the large anatomical differences between the olfactory areas of animals and humans and the experimental conditions used were evaluated. The aim of this paper was to establish the actual evidence for the feasibility of this direct transport route in humans. Twelve papers presented a sound experimental design to study direct nose to CNS transport of drugs based on the authors' criteria. Of these, only two studies in rats were able to provide results that can be seen as an indication for direct transport from the nose to the CNS. No pharmacokinetic evidence could be found to support a claim that nasal administration of drugs in humans will result in an enhanced delivery to their target sites in the brain compared with intravenous administration of the same drug under similar dosage conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans W H M Merkus
- Leiden/Amsterdam Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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24
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De Souza Silva MA, Marchetti L, Eisel ULM, Huston JP, Dere E. NR2C by NR2B subunit exchange in juvenile mice affects emotionality and 5-HT in the frontal cortex. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2007; 6:465-72. [PMID: 17054720 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2006.00274.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) has been inter alia implicated in synaptic plasticity, brain development and emotional processes. The NMDA-R is a multiprotein complex composed of NR1, NR2 and/or NR3 subunits. We generated NR2C-2B mutant mice in which an insertion of NR2B cDNA into the gene locus of the NR2C gene replaced NR2C by NR2B expression throughout the brain. This NR2C-2B mutant was used to examine whether an NMDA-R subunit exchange in juvenile mice would affect emotional behaviors and acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) content in the frontal cortex (FC) and brain structures, which are part of the brain defense system, such as the periaqueductal grey matter (PAG). Juvenile, 1-month-old NR2C-2B mice showed increased open arm avoidance in the elevated plus-maze and increased fear-induced immobility. In terms of brain neurochemistry, NR2C-2B mice showed an increase in 5-HT levels in the FC at the age of 2 months. A correlational analysis revealed that mice with low open arms avoidance had high levels of ACh in the PAG but reduced 5-HT levels in the FC. Animals which showed high levels of fear-induced immobility also had high levels of 5-HT in the FC. These results suggest that the replacement of subunit NR2C by NR2B in juvenile mice increases anxiety- and fear-related behaviors possibly due to changes in FC-5-HT and PAG-ACh levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A De Souza Silva
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, Center for Biological and Medical Research, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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25
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Tavares MC, Topic B, Abreu C, Waga I, Gomes U, Tomaz C, Mattern C. Effects of intra-nasally administered testosterone on sexual proceptive behavior in female capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella). Behav Brain Res 2007; 179:33-42. [PMID: 17280726 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2006] [Accepted: 01/05/2007] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction in the female has been associated with a decrease in androgen levels, which can be reversed by testosterone treatment, however, bearing the risk of adverse side effects. Nasally administered testosterone could be an effective method for androgenic treatment avoiding the first-pass intestinal and hepatic metabolism and side effects. Here we examined the effects of chronic intranasal administration of testosterone on sexual behavior in female capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) that lived with male cohorts. During 8 days of baseline 10 females were observed for their sexual and non-sexual behavior without drug. They then received daily intranasal testosterone (0.24 mg per nostril, n=5 per group) or placebo gel for 5 days, followed by 5 days of wash out, followed by 5 days of daily intranasal application, whereby the animals that had received testosterone before, now received placebo and vice versa. Diverse sexual and non-sexual behaviors were scored. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for testosterone, estradiol, dihydrotestosterone and progesterone using EIAs. The results revealed an increase in sexual behavior (eyebrow raising, chest rubbing, courtship behavior, masturbation) in the females during testosterone treatment, which seemed to be prolonged even when testosterone treatment was discontinued. These behavioral results were accompanied by an increase in plasma testosterone levels. This study demonstrates the efficacy of testosterone in enhancing sexual behavior in female capuchin monkeys by means of intranasal application, which may be a useful alternative compared to other forms of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clotilde Tavares
- Primate Center and Laboratory of Neurosciences & Behavior, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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26
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Topic B, Tavares MC, Tomaz C, Mattern C. Prolonged effects of intra-nasally administered testosterone on proceptive behavior in female capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella). Behav Brain Res 2007; 179:60-8. [PMID: 17306379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2007] [Accepted: 01/12/2007] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction in the female has been associated with a decrease in androgen levels, which can be reversed by testosterone treatment, however, bearing the risk of adverse side effects. Previously we found that intranasal application of testosterone led to an increase in proceptive behavior in female capuchin monkeys, which was still enhanced beyond treatment pointing to prolonged effects. Here, we sought to replicate our previous findings and to further examine possible prolonged effects of such treatment. During 5 days of baseline females were observed for their sexual and non-sexual behavior without drug. They then received daily intranasal testosterone (0.24 mg per nostril) for 7 days, followed by 15 days of intranasal testosterone application every third day or were left undisturbed (n=5 per group). Diverse sexual and non-sexual behaviors were scored. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone using immunoenzymatic chemiluminescent immunoassay. In accord with our previous results an increase in sexual proceptive behavior was revealed during testosterone treatment, which persisted about 2 weeks beyond treatment in the group receiving testosterone every third day as well as in the group that no longer received any treatment. These behavioral results were accompanied by an increase in plasma testosterone levels. This study demonstrates the efficacy of testosterone in enhancing sexual behavior in female capuchin monkeys by means of intranasal application, and provided evidence that daily substance application is not necessary to maintain beneficial effects on sexual behavior. These findings render the intranasal application procedure to be a useful alternative compared to other forms of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Topic
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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27
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Zarrindast MR, Moghimi M, Rostami P, Rezayof A. Histaminergic receptors of medial septum and conditioned place preference: D1 dopamine receptor mechanism. Brain Res 2006; 1109:108-16. [PMID: 16828718 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2005] [Revised: 06/06/2006] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of intra-medial septum injections of histamine and/or the histamine H1 or H2 receptor antagonists on the acquisition of conditioned place preference (CPP) in male Wistar rats have been investigated. Our data showed that the conditioning treatments with intra-medial septum injection of different doses of histamine (0.5-15 microg/rat) induced a significant CPP for the drug-associated place. Using a 3-day schedule of conditioning, it was found that the histamine H1 receptor antagonist, pyrilamine (10 and 15 microg/rat, intra-medial septum) also induced a significant place preference. In addition, pyrilamine inhibited the histamine (7.5 microg/rat)-induced place preference. Intra-medial septum administration of the histamine H2 receptor antagonist, ranitidine (5-15 microg/rat) alone or in combination with histamine did not produce a significant place preference or place aversion. On the other hand, intra-medial septum administration of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 233390 (0.5, 0.75 and 1 microg/rat) inhibited the histamine (7.5 microg/rat) or pyrilamine (15 microg/rat)-induced place preference in a dose-dependent manner, but no effect was observed for the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride on the histamine or pyrilamine response. The administration of histamine (2.5-15 microg/rat) or pyrilamine (10 and 15 microg/rat) during acquisition increased locomotor activity of the animals on the testing days. The results suggest that histaminergic receptors of the medial septum may be involved in CPP and thus it is postulated that dopamine D1 receptors may play an important role in this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology and Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
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28
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Frisch C, De Souza-Silva MA, Söhl G, Güldenagel M, Willecke K, Huston JP, Dere E. Stimulus complexity dependent memory impairment and changes in motor performance after deletion of the neuronal gap junction protein connexin36 in mice. Behav Brain Res 2005; 157:177-85. [PMID: 15617784 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2004.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2004] [Revised: 06/25/2004] [Accepted: 06/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gap junction channels, composed of connexin (Cx) proteins, are conduits for intercellular communication and metabolic exchange in the central nervous system. Connexin36 (Cx36) is expressed in distinct subpopulations of neurons throughout the mammalian brain. Deletion of the Cx36 gene in the mouse affected power and frequency of gamma and sharp wave-ripple oscillations, putative correlates of memory engram inscription. Here, we present a behavioral analysis of Cx36-deficient mice. Activity patterns, exploratory- and anxiety-related responses were largely unaffected by elimination of Cx36, while sensorimotor capacities and learning and memory processes were impaired. Repeated testing on the rotarod suggested that the Cx36-deficient mice showed slower motor-coordination learning. After a retention interval of 24 h the Cx36-deficient mice showed habituation to an open-field, but failed to habituate to a more complex spatial environment (Y-maze). A more pronounced memory impairment was found when Cx36 knockout mice had to remember recently explored objects. Cx36-deficient mice were unable to recognize objects after short delays of 15 and 45 min. These data suggest that lack of Cx36 induces memory impairments that vary in dependence of the complexity of the stimuli presented. Our results suggest that neuronal gap junctions incorporating Cx36 play a role in learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Frisch
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, Center for Biological and Medical Research, Heinrich Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätstrasse 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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29
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Bagger MA, Bechgaard E. The potential of nasal application for delivery to the central brain-a microdialysis study of fluorescein in rats. Eur J Pharm Sci 2004; 21:235-42. [PMID: 14757495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2003.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous animal studies have shown that various types of nasally administered drugs and model substances can access the central nervous system (CNS) via direct transport across the olfactory epithelium, and thereby circumventing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). These compounds, however, have mainly been identified in the cerebrospinal fluid and the olfactory bulbs which are usually not pharmacologically relevant targets. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of targeting the central brain by olfactory absorption by use of sodium fluorescein as a hydrophilic model substance with limited permeability across the blood-brain barrier. Microdialysis probes were implanted in blood and in right and left side of the brain (striatum) in rats. The pharmacokinetics of sodium fluorescein was studied from 0 to 180min following intravenous and unilateral nasal administration without occlusion of the oesophagus. Pharmacokinetic modelling showed a significantly higher absorption rate and lower T(max) in the ipsilateral striatum (0.097min(-1) and 41min) compared with the contralateral side (0.056min(-1) and 54min). The rate of elimination in brain was significantly lower after nasal administration (0.004min(-1)) compared with intravenous administration (0.012min(-1)). However, the brain to plasma area under the curve ratios of model substance were low (2-3%) and not significantly different between right and left side of the brain, regardless of the route of administration. The results obtained by microdialysis were supported by findings in whole brain homogenates where concentrations of fluorescein were approximately 40% higher in the right striatum compared with the left side initially after nasal administration to the right nostril of rats. Despite some indications of olfactory transport to the central rat brain it was concluded that the drug targeting potential of sodium fluorescein and most likely other hydrophilic compounds is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Aavad Bagger
- Department of Pharmaceutics, The Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Dere E, De Souza-Silva MA, Spieler RE, Lin JS, Ohtsu H, Haas HL, Huston JP. Changes in motoric, exploratory and emotional behaviours and neuronal acetylcholine content and 5-HT turnover in histidine decarboxylase-KO mice. Eur J Neurosci 2004; 20:1051-8. [PMID: 15305873 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2004.03546.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Histamine has been implicated, inter alia, in mechanisms underlying arousal, exploratory behaviour and emotionality. Here, we investigated behavioural and neurochemical parameters related to these concepts, including open-field activity, rotarod performance and anxiety, as well as brain acetylcholine and 5-HT concentrations of mice deficient for the histidine decarboxylase (HDC) gene. These mice are unable to synthesize histamine from its precursor histidine. The HDC-knockout mice showed reduced exploratory activity in an open-field, but normal habituation to a novel environment. They behaved more anxious than the controls, as assessed by the height-fear task and the graded anxiety test, a modified elevated plus-maze. Furthermore, motor coordination on the rotarod was superior to controls. Biochemical assessments revealed that the HDC-knockout mice had higher acetylcholine concentrations and a significantly higher 5-HT turnover in the frontal cortex, but reduced acetylcholine levels in the neostriatum. These results are suggestive of important interactions between neuronal histamine and these site-specific neurotransmitters, which may be related to the behavioural changes found in the HDC-deficient animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dere
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, Center for Biological and Medical Research, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Dere E, De Souza-Silva MA, Topic B, Spieler RE, Haas HL, Huston JP. Histidine-decarboxylase knockout mice show deficient nonreinforced episodic object memory, improved negatively reinforced water-maze performance, and increased neo- and ventro-striatal dopamine turnover. Learn Mem 2004; 10:510-9. [PMID: 14657262 PMCID: PMC305466 DOI: 10.1101/lm.67603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The brain's histaminergic system has been implicated in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory, as well as brain reward and reinforcement. Our past pharmacological and lesion studies indicated that the brain's histamine system exerts inhibitory effects on the brain's reinforcement respective reward system reciprocal to mesolimbic dopamine systems, thereby modulating learning and memory performance. Given the close functional relationship between brain reinforcement and memory processes, the total disruption of brain histamine synthesis via genetic disruption of its synthesizing enzyme, histidine decarboxylase (HDC), in the mouse might have differential effects on learning dependent on the task-inherent reinforcement contingencies. Here, we investigated the effects of an HDC gene disruption in the mouse in a nonreinforced object exploration task and a negatively reinforced water-maze task as well as on neo- and ventro-striatal dopamine systems known to be involved in brain reward and reinforcement. Histidine decarboxylase knockout (HDC-KO) mice had higher dihydrophenylacetic acid concentrations and a higher dihydrophenylacetic acid/dopamine ratio in the neostriatum. In the ventral striatum, dihydrophenylacetic acid/dopamine and 3-methoxytyramine/dopamine ratios were higher in HDC-KO mice. Furthermore, the HDC-KO mice showed improved water-maze performance during both hidden and cued platform tasks, but deficient object discrimination based on temporal relationships. Our data imply that disruption of brain histamine synthesis can have both memory promoting and suppressive effects via distinct and independent mechanisms and further indicate that these opposed effects are related to the task-inherent reinforcement contingencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekrem Dere
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, University of Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Müller CP, Knoche A, Huston JP. Die neuropsychologischen Effekte von Kokain. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR NEUROPSYCHOLOGIE 2004. [DOI: 10.1024/1016-264x.15.1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung: Kokainkonsumenten sind in der Regel entweder Gelegenheitskonsumenten mit geringem und relativ gut kontrollierbarem Kokainkonsum oder Kokainabhängige, die exzessiv große Mengen Kokain einnehmen (Binge-Taking). Neuropsychologische Untersuchungen bei Gelegenheitskonsumenten mit kleinen bis mittleren Kokaindosen, die geeignet sind, “Euphorie” und “Hochgefühle” auszulösen, ergaben bisher keine Hinweise auf neuropsychologische Funktionsbeeinträchtigungen in der akuten Phase. Vielmehr wurden in der akuten Kokainphase verbesserte Aufmerksamkeitsleistungen und schnellere Reaktionszeiten gemessen, die bis zum Beginn der postakuten Phase anhielten. Explizite Untersuchungen zur postakuten Phase oder Studien über die Effekte von Kokain in einem hohen Dosisbereich liegen derzeit nicht vor. Kokainabhängige weisen in einem Abstinenzzeitraum von bis zu mindestens 3 Monaten neuropsychologische, neurologische und unter Umständen auch psychiatrische Defizite auf. Deutliche Defizite abstinenter Kokainabhängiger wurden bei der Aufmerksamkeitsleistung, der Konzentration, der inhibitorischen Kontrolle und im Gedächtnis gefunden, wobei die verschiedenen Gedächtnistypen unterschiedlich betroffen sind. Kommt es bei Kokainabhängigen zu einer erneuten Kokaineinnahme, d.h. zu einer Binge-Phase, so ist unmittelbar danach in der so genannten Crash-Phase noch zusätzlich mit zum Teil schweren emotional-motivationalen Beeinträchtigungen zu rechnen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian P. Müller
- Institut für Physiologische Psychologie und Biologisch-medizinisches Forschungszentrum, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf
| | - Anja Knoche
- Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen, Bergisch-Gladbach
| | - Joseph P. Huston
- Institut für Physiologische Psychologie und Biologisch-medizinisches Forschungszentrum, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf
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Bagger M, Bechgaard E. A microdialysis model to examine nasal drug delivery and olfactory absorption in rats using lidocaine hydrochloride as a model drug. Int J Pharm 2004; 269:311-22. [PMID: 14706243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2003.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Targeting of the central nervous system by direct drug transport from the nose to the brain has gained increased attention through the last decade. In the present study, a model for olfactory drug absorption has been investigated using intravenous and unilateral nasal administration of lidocaine hydrochloride in rats. To investigate the possible drug delivery aspects of this route of transport to a central part of the brain a microdialysis model using in vivo recovery by calibrator was applied to the systemic blood and to right and left striatum. The integrity of the blood-brain barrier was evaluated following microdialysis probe implantation. The in vivo experiments were carried out as a cross-over study in rats. The drainage from the nasal cavity was not restricted by occlusion. It was found that true unbound lidocaine concentrations could be calculated from in vivo recovery measurements of retrodialysis of prilocaine hydrochloride. The relative in vivo recoveries in striatum (11.3%) and blood (24.0%) were significantly lower than in vitro (31.3 and 44.9%). The blood-brain barrier was found to retain its physical integrity when evaluated one hour after probe implantation. From pharmacokinetic modelling of the time-concentration curves it was found that the absorption rates and area under the curve (AUC) values of lidocaine in left and right striatum were not statistically different following nasal and intravenous administration, respectively. The average nasal bioavailabilities of lidocaine in blood, left and right striatum were 85, 103 and 129%, respectively. It was concluded that no significant olfactory absorption to striatum was evident in the present study. However, the method should be applicable to studies of drug delivery to blood and brain following nasal administration of other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Bagger
- Department of Pharmaceutics, The Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Frisch C, Theis M, De Souza Silva MA, Dere E, Söhl G, Teubner B, Namestkova K, Willecke K, Huston JP. Mice with astrocyte-directed inactivation of connexin43 exhibit increased exploratory behaviour, impaired motor capacities, and changes in brain acetylcholine levels. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 18:2313-8. [PMID: 14622192 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02971.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions mediate communication between many cell types in the brain. Gap junction channels are composed of membrane-spanning connexin (Cx) proteins, allowing the cell-to-cell passage of small ions and metabolites. Cx43 is the main constituent of the brain-spanning astrocytic gap junctional network, controlling activity-related changes in ion and glutamate concentrations as well as metabolic processes. In astrocytes, deletion of Cx43-coding DNA led to attenuated gap junctional coupling and impaired propagation of calcium waves, known to influence neuronal activity. Investigation of the role of Cx43 in behaviour has been impossible so far, due to postnatal lethality of its general deletion. Recently, we have shown that deletion of Cx30, which is also expressed by astrocytes, affects exploration, emotionality, and neurochemistry in the mouse. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the astrocyte-directed inactivation of Cx43 on mouse behaviour and brain neurochemistry. Deletion of Cx43 in astrocytes increased exploratory activity without influencing habituation. In the open field, but not in the elevated plus-maze, an anxiolytic-like effect was observed. Rotarod performance was initially impaired, but reached control level after further training. In the water maze, Cx43 deficient mice showed a steeper learning course, although final performance was similar between groups. Cx43 inactivation in astrocytes increased acetylcholine content in the frontal cortex of water maze-trained animals. Results are discussed in terms of altered communication between astrocytes and neurons, possible compensation processes, and differential effects of Cx30- and astrocyte-specific Cx43 deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Frisch
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, and Center for Biological and Medical Research, Heinrich Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Dere E, De Souza-Silva MA, Frisch C, Teubner B, Söhl G, Willecke K, Huston JP. Connexin30-deficient mice show increased emotionality and decreased rearing activity in the open-field along with neurochemical changes. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 18:629-38. [PMID: 12911759 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02784.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gap-junction channels in the brain, formed by connexin (Cx) proteins with a distinct regional/cell-type distribution, allow intercellular electrical and metabolic communication. In astrocytes, mainly the connexins 43, 26 and 30 are expressed. In addition, connexin30 is expressed in ependymal and leptomeningeal cells, as well as in skin and cochlea. The functional implications of the astrocytic gap-junctional network are not well understood and evidence regarding their behavioural relevance is lacking. Thus, we have tested groups of Cx30-/-, Cx30+/-, and Cx30+/+ mice in the open-field, an object exploration task, in the graded anxiety test and on the rotarod. The Cx30-/- mice showed reduced exploratory activity in terms of rearings but not locomotion in the open-field and object exploration task. Furthermore, Cx30-/- mice exhibited anxiogenic behaviour as shown by higher open-field centre avoidance and corner preference. Graded anxiety test and rotarod performance was similar across groups. The Cx30-/- mice had elevated choline levels in the ventral striatum, possibly related to their aberrant behavioural phenotypes. The Cx30+/- mice had lower dopamine and metabolite levels in the amygdala and ventral striatum and lower hippocampal 5-hydroxyindole acid (5-HIAA) concentrations relative to Cx30+/+ mice. Furthermore, the Cx30+/- mice had lower acetylcholine concentrations in the ventral striatum and higher choline levels in the neostriatum, relative to Cx30+/+ mice. Our data suggest that the elimination of connexin30 can alter the reactivity to novel environments, pointing to the importance of gap-junctional signalling in behavioural processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dere
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, Center for Biological and Medical Research, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Germany
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Dere E, De Souza Silva MA, Topic B, Fiorillo C, Li JS, Sadile AG, Frisch C, Huston JP. Aged endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mice exhibit higher mortality concomitant with impaired open-field habituation and alterations in forebrain neurotransmitter levels. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2002; 1:204-13. [PMID: 12882365 DOI: 10.1034/j.1601-183x.2002.10402.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has been implicated in various brain and peripheral pathologies such as renal failure, heart failure or stroke. Consequently, the mortality rate of aged eNOS knockout mice (eNOS-/-) was higher than that of age-matched (18-22 months old) controls. Only seven of the original 14 eNOS-/- animals that participated in the study reached the age of 18 months or older, whereas no control mice died during this life span. In order to assess the behavioral and neurochemical consequences of chronic eNOS deficiency we examined whether the surviving aged eNOS-/- mice showed changes in terms of motor, emotional, exploratory and neurochemical parameters. Aged eNOS-/- mice showed reduced exploratory activity in the open-field with no habituation observable neither within sessions nor after repeated exposures. Pole test performance of eNOS-/- mice was comparable to controls. In the elevated plus-maze eNOS-/- mice did not differ from controls in terms of time spent in and entries into arms, but showed less locomotion on the open arms. The most prominent neurochemical alterations in the forebrains of aged eNOS-/- mice were: (a) increased acetylcholine levels in the neostriatum; (b) decreased noradrenaline concentrations in the ventral striatum; and (c) lower serotonin levels in the frontal cortex and ventral striatum. The present findings suggest that mice which survived chronic eNOS-deficiency into old age, show some behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes distinct from adult eNOS-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dere
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, Center for Biological and Medical Research, University of Düsseldorf D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Dahlin M, Jansson B, Björk E. Levels of dopamine in blood and brain following nasal administration to rats. Eur J Pharm Sci 2001; 14:75-80. [PMID: 11457653 DOI: 10.1016/s0928-0987(01)00151-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of [(3)H]dopamine in blood, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue samples in rats and to find out whether the drug is transferred along the olfactory pathway to the central nervous system following nasal administration. [(3)H]Dopamine (50 microCi) was given to male Sprague-Dawley rats either intravenously or nasally to the right nostril. For the absorption study, blood samples were withdrawn from the carotid artery. The CSF samples were taken by cisternal puncture and then brain tissue samples were excised. The presence of unchanged dopamine in the samples was ascertained using thin layer chromatography (TLC). The radioactivity in the samples was measured using liquid scintillation. The greatest amount of the total radioactivity absorbed from the nasal mucosa into the systemic circulation was observed at the first sampling point 15 min after administration. The bioavailability of the total radioactivity was 68+/-30%. The uptake of [(3)H]dopamine in the brain was significantly higher 30 min after nasal administration than after intravenous administration (P<0.01). TLC data showed that approximately 59%, 14% and 68% of the radioactivity in the olfactory bulb, CSF and olfactory mucosa, respectively, coeluted with dopamine. In conclusion, these results show that unchanged dopamine is transferred into the olfactory bulb via the olfactory pathway in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dahlin
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics, Biomedical Centre, Box 580, Uppsala University, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
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Galosi R, Lenard L, Knoche A, Haas H, Huston JP, Schwarting RK. Dopaminergic effects of histamine administration in the nucleus accumbens and the impact of H1-receptor blockade. Neuropharmacology 2001; 40:624-33. [PMID: 11249972 DOI: 10.1016/s0028-3908(00)00181-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The mesolimbic dopamine system is thought to play a critical role in reward-related processes. A number of studies have shown that lesion or inhibition of histaminergic neurons acting through H1 receptors can potentiate the effects of drug-induced reward (e.g., psychostimulants and opioids) and can enhance the reinforcing effects of electrical stimulation of the brain. Since dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens is thought to provide a crucial link in these histaminergic actions, we examined the effects of local histamine application (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 micromol/l) on dopamine and its metabolites in the nucleus accumbens of anesthetized rats by means of unilateral reverse dialysis. To study the influence of H1 receptors, we also applied the H1-receptor antagonist pyrilamine (10.0 and 20.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) 20 min before histamine administration (1 mmol/l). Finally, pyrilamine (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 micromol/l) was locally administered into the nucleus accumbens. The data show that histamine can enhance extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens in a dose-dependent way. This increase was partially antagonized by prior peripheral administration of 10 mg/kg, and was completely blocked by 20 mg/kg, of pyrilamine. Finally, intra-accumbens administration of pyrilamine locally decreased dopamine and increased dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid levels. These data are discussed with respect to the possible interactions between dopaminergic and histaminergic mechanisms in the mesolimbic system and their relation to mechanisms of reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Galosi
- Institute of Physiology and Neurophysiology Research Group of Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Pecs University Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
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Superior water maze performance and increase in fear-related behavior in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase-deficient mouse together with monoamine changes in cerebellum and ventral striatum. J Neurosci 2000. [PMID: 10964974 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.20-17-06694.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the control of emotion, learning, and memory. We have examined endothelial NO synthase-deficient mice (eNOS-/-) in terms of habituation to an open field, elevated plus-maze behavior, Morris water maze performance, and changes in cerebral monoamines. In the open field, eNOS-/- animals were less active than wild-type controls but showed unimpaired habituation. In the plus-maze, an anxiogenic effect was observed. Proceeding from previous findings of deficits in hippocampal and neocortical long-term potentiation (LTP) in our eNOS-/- mice, we investigated whether these animals also express deficits in learning tasks that have been linked to hippocampal function and LTP. Unexpectedly, eNOS gene disruption led to accelerated place learning in the water maze. Furthermore, during long-term retention and reversal learning, eNOS-/- mice showed improved performance. In a cued version of the water maze task, eNOS-/- and control mice did not differ, implying that the superior performance of eNOS-/- animals on the former tasks cannot be attributed solely to differences in sensorimotor capacities. The neurochemical evaluation of the eNOS-/- mice revealed increases in the concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-HIAA in the cerebellum, together with an accelerated serotonin turnover in the frontal cortex. Furthermore, eNOS-/- mice had a higher dopamine turnover in the ventral striatum. These findings are discussed in terms of possible concomitant effects on physiological parameters, such as a decreased reactivity of GABAergic neurotransmission or changes in vascular functions, and effects on behavioral processes related to reinforcement, learning, and emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Illum
- West Pharmaceutical Services Drug Delivery and Clinical Research Centre Ltd., Albert Einstein Centre, Nottingham Science and Technology Park, UK
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Mathison S, Nagilla R, Kompella UB. Nasal route for direct delivery of solutes to the central nervous system: fact or fiction? J Drug Target 1998; 5:415-41. [PMID: 9783675 DOI: 10.3109/10611869808997870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
During this century, several investigators reported that certain viruses, metals, drugs, and other solutes could bypass systemic circulation and enter the brain and/or cerebrospinal fluid directly following nasal administration. Although evidence clearly suggests that the olfactory epithelium and its olfactory cells play a major role, little is known about the mechanisms of direct transport of solutes into the brain. An overview of what is known about these mechanisms may aid in further research in this field, including studies of direct drug delivery to the central nervous system. This review, in addition to summarizing the literature to date, clearly describes the intricate association of the anatomical features involved in direct entry of solutes into the brain following nasal administration. To aid in the understanding of the possible routes a solute can take after nasal administration, the anatomy of the olfactory epithelium and surrounding tissues is described, and a detailed scheme delineating the emerging pathways is presented. Techniques used in delineating these pathways and studies supporting a particular pathway are discussed in greater detail. Finally, some factors influencing the direct transport of solutes to the cerebrospinal fluid and brain are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mathison
- Department of Chemistry, Auburn University, AL 36849-5503, USA
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Silva MA, Mattern C, Häcker R, Tomaz C, Huston JP, Schwarting RK. Increased neostriatal dopamine activity after intraperitoneal or intranasal administration of L-DOPA: on the role of benserazide pretreatment. Synapse 1997; 27:294-302. [PMID: 9372552 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2396(199712)27:4<294::aid-syn3>3.0.co;2-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
L-DOPA provides the most potent medication to treat Parkinson's disease, and such systemic treatment is usually combined with a peripheral amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor to amplify its central effectiveness. Since L-DOPA can lose its efficacy or can lead to adverse effects with prolonged application, current pharmacokinetic and dynamic research is aimed at improving the drug's applicability. In a previous study, performed with in vivo microdialysis in the anesthetized rat, we have shown that intranasal L-DOPA administration (without prior decarboxylase inhibition) can increase extracellular dopamine levels in the neostriatum. Using similar experimental conditions in the present experiment, we tested the neurochemical effects of L-DOPA treatment in combination with the peripheral amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor benserazide. In accordance with other data, it was found that the combination of i.p. benserazide and i.p. L-DOPA led to pronounced increases of extracellular levels of dopamine, dihydroxyplenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid in the neostriatum, whereas i.p. L-DOPA alone only moderately increased dopamine, but strongly increased the metabolite levels. Furthermore, increased dopamine levels, and weaker increases of dihydroxyplenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid were observed after i.p. benserazide followed by intranasal L-DOPA. Finally, we found that i.p. benserazide alone can lead to pronounced increases in neostriatal dopamine and moderate increases of dihydroxyplenylacetic acid levels, whereas it did not affect homovanillic acid. Thus, not only the combination of L-DOPA (i.p. or intranasal) with the presumed peripheral L-DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor benserazide, but also each component alone can affect dopamine activity in the brain. Especially the findings with benserazide treatment might be of relevance for understanding the mechanisms of current L-DOPA therapy, since they indicate that part of the treatment's actions may possibly be determined by central dopaminergic effects of the accompanying amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Silva
- Institute of Physiological Psychology I, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Germany
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