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Piacentino D, Vizioli C, Barb JJ, Grant-Beurmann S, Bouhlal S, Battista JT, Jennings O, Lee MR, Schwandt ML, Walter P, Henderson WA, Chen K, Turner S, Yang S, Fraser CM, Farinelli LA, Farokhnia M, Leggio L. Gut microbial diversity and functional characterization in people with alcohol use disorder: A case-control study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302195. [PMID: 38865325 PMCID: PMC11168635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) typically have comorbid chronic health conditions, including anxiety and depression disorders, increased sleep disruption, and poor nutrition status, along with gut microbial dysbiosis. To better understand the effects of gut dysbiosis previously shown in individuals with AUD, gut microbiome and metabolome were investigated between three cohorts. Two groups of individuals with AUD included treatment-seeking newly abstinent for at least six weeks (AB: N = 10) and non-treatment-seeking currently drinking (CD: N = 9) individuals. The third group was age, gender, and BMI-matched healthy controls (HC: N = 12). Deep phenotyping during two weeks of outpatient National Institutes of Health Clinical Center visits was performed, including clinical, psychological, medical, metabolic, dietary, and experimental assessments. Alpha and beta diversity and differential microbial taxa and metabolite abundance of the gut microbiome were examined across the three groups. Metabolites derived from the lipid super-pathway were identified to be more abundant in the AB group compared to CD and HC groups. The AB individuals appeared to be most clinically different from CD and HC individuals with respect to their gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings highlight the potential long-term effects of chronic alcohol use in individuals with AUD, even during short-term abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Piacentino
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Carlotta Vizioli
- Interoceptive Disorders Unit, Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Jennifer J. Barb
- Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Silvia Grant-Beurmann
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sofia Bouhlal
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Jillian T. Battista
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Olivia Jennings
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Mary R. Lee
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Melanie L. Schwandt
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Peter Walter
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Division of Intramural Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Wendy A. Henderson
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Sara Turner
- Nutrition Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Shanna Yang
- Nutrition Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Claire M. Fraser
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Farinelli
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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Moore CF, Zamarripa CA, Weerts EM. Oral Cannabidiol does not alter Alcohol Seeking and Self-Administration in Baboons. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 245:109829. [PMID: 36871377 PMCID: PMC10033431 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) is currently under investigation as a pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder. The aim of the present study was to examine whether acute and chronic treatment with pure CBD would decrease alcohol seeking and consumption behaviors or alter drinking patterns in male baboons with extensive histories of daily alcohol intake (1 g/kg/day). METHODS Seven male baboons self-administered oral alcohol (4% w/v) in a validated chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR) procedure that modeled periods of anticipation, seeking, and consumption. In Experiment 1, CBD (5-40 mg/kg) or vehicle (peanut oil, USP) was administered orally 15- or 90-minutes prior to the start of the session. In Experiment 2, oral doses of CBD (10-40 mg/kg) or vehicle were administered for 5 consecutive days during ongoing alcohol access under the CSR. In addition, behavioral observations were conducted to assess potential drug side effects (e.g., sedation, motor incoordination) following chronic CBD treatment immediately after the session and 24-hours after drug administration. RESULTS Across both experiments, baboons self-administered an average of 1 g/kg/day of alcohol under baseline conditions. Administration of acute or chronic CBD (150-1200 mg total CBD dose/day) that encompassed the purported therapeutic dose range did not significantly reduce alcohol seeking, self-administration or intake (g/kg). Drinking patterns (i.e., number of drinks/bouts, bout duration, nor interdrink interval) also were not altered. There were no observable behavioral disruptions following CBD treatment. CONCLUSIONS In sum, the current data do not support use of pure CBD as an effective pharmacotherapy to reduce ongoing excessive drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Austin Zamarripa
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Dr., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Elise M Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, USA; Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Dr., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Abstract
Preclinical research over the past several decades has demonstrated a role for the γ-aminobutyric acidB (GABAB) receptor in alcohol use disorder (AUD). This chapter offers an examination of preclinical evidence on the role of the GABAB receptor on alcohol-related behaviors with a particular focus on the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen, for which effects have been most extensively studied, and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor. Studies employing rodent and non-human primate models have shown that activation of the GABAB receptor can reduce (1) stimulating and rewarding effects of alcohol; (2) signs of alcohol withdrawal in rats made physically dependent on alcohol; (3) acquisition and maintenance of alcohol drinking under a two-bottle alcohol versus water choice procedure; (4) alcohol intake under oral operant self-administration procedures; (5) motivational properties of alcohol measured using extinction and progressive ratio procedures; (6) the increase in alcohol intake after a period of alcohol abstinence (the alcohol deprivation effect or ADE); and (7) the ability of alcohol cues and stress to reinstate alcohol seeking when alcohol is no longer available. Baclofen and GABAB PAMs reduce the abovementioned behaviors across different preclinical models, which provides strong evidence for a significant role of the GABAB receptor in alcohol-related behaviors and supports development of medications targeting GABAB receptors for the treatment of AUD. This chapter highlights the value of examining mechanisms of alcohol-related behaviors across multiple animal models to increase the confidence in identification of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- August F Holtyn
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Elise M Weerts
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Piacentino D, Grant-Beurmann S, Vizioli C, Li X, Moore CF, Ruiz-Rodado V, Lee MR, Joseph PV, Fraser CM, Weerts EM, Leggio L. Gut microbiome and metabolome in a non-human primate model of chronic excessive alcohol drinking. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:609. [PMID: 34853299 PMCID: PMC8636625 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A relationship between the gut microbiome and alcohol use disorder has been suggested. Excessive alcohol use produces changes in the fecal microbiome and metabolome in both rodents and humans. Yet, these changes can be observed only in a subgroup of the studied populations, and reversal does not always occur after abstinence. We aimed to analyze fecal microbial composition and function in a translationally relevant baboon model of chronic heavy drinking that also meets binge criteria (drinking too much, too fast, and too often), i.e., alcohol ~1 g/kg and blood alcohol levels (BALs) ≥ 0.08 g/dL in a 2-hour period, daily, for years. We compared three groups of male baboons (Papio anubis): L = Long-term alcohol drinking group (12.1 years); S = Short-term alcohol drinking group (2.7 years); and C = Control group, drinking a non-alcoholic reinforcer (Tang®) (8.2 years). Fecal collection took place during 3 days of Drinking (D), followed by a short period (3 days) of Abstinence (A). Fecal microbial alpha- and beta-diversity were significantly lower in L vs. S and C (p's < 0.05). Members of the commensal families Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae showed a relative decrease, whereas the opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus genus showed a relative increase in L vs. S and C (p's < 0.05). Microbiota-related metabolites of aromatic amino acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and pentose increased in L vs. S and C (FDR-corrected p < 0.01), with the latter two suggesting high energy metabolism and enhanced glycolysis in the gut lumen in response to alcohol. Consistent with the long-term alcohol exposure, mucosal damage and oxidative stress markers (N-acetylated amino acids, 2-hydroxybutyrate, and metabolites of the methionine cycle) increased in L vs. S and C (FDR-corrected p < 0.01). Overall, S showed few differences vs. C, possibly due to the long-term, chronic alcohol exposure needed to alter the normal gut microbiota. In the three groups, the fecal microbiome barely differed between conditions D and A, whereas the metabolome shifted in the transition from condition D to A. In conclusion, changes in the fecal microbiome and metabolome occur after significant long-term excessive drinking and are only partially affected by acute forced abstinence from alcohol. These results provide novel information on the relationship between the fecal microbiome and metabolome in a controlled experimental setting and using a unique non-human primate model of chronic excessive alcohol drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Piacentino
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA ,grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Silvia Grant-Beurmann
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Institute for Genome Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Carlotta Vizioli
- grid.420085.b0000 0004 0481 4802Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research and National Institute of Nursing Research Division of Intramural Research, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Xiaobai Li
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Catherine F. Moore
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Victor Ruiz-Rodado
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Mary R. Lee
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Paule V. Joseph
- grid.420085.b0000 0004 0481 4802Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research and National Institute of Nursing Research Division of Intramural Research, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Claire M. Fraser
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Institute for Genome Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA. .,Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA. .,Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA. .,Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA. .,Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA.
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5
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Treloar Padovano H, Miranda R. Incubation of alcohol craving as it naturally occurs in a developmentally diverse sample of dependent and nondependent drinkers. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12934. [PMID: 32666651 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Longer periods of abstinence are shown to enhance response to alcohol cues among alcohol-dependent animals and humans, a phenomenon described as "incubation of craving." The present work examined the effects of days since last drink on general craving and alcohol-cued craving as it occurs in daily life and explored whether effects were influenced by age and dependence. Three samples were combined to include 266 drinkers ranging in age from 14 to 67 years recruited from the community; about half (59.4%) met criteria for alcohol dependence. Drinkers used handheld electronic devices to rate their subjective alcohol craving (assessed as "urge to drink") and situational context (e.g., presence of visible alcohol cues) at nondrinking times in daily life, with days since last alcohol use culled from timeline follow-back interviews and real-world reports. Drinkers at the lower end of the age range in this sample reported greater intensification of craving with more days of continuous abstinence than drinkers at the upper end of the age range. Age was not related to incubation of cue-elicited craving, in specific, however. For drinkers with dependence, craving when in the presence of visible alcohol cues intensified with more days of continuous abstinence, suggesting craving incubation. This study builds from important foundational work to demonstrate that incubation of cue-elicited craving occurs in dependent drinkers and applies regardless of age. Inasmuch as craving is a motivational drive that maintains alcohol use, understanding factors that influence craving in daily life holds promise for improving clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Treloar Padovano
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - Robert Miranda
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA
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Kim DY, Lee JH. The Effects of Training to Reduce Automatic Action Tendencies Toward Alcohol Using the Virtual Alcohol Approach-Avoidance Task in Heavy Social Drinkers. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2019; 22:794-798. [PMID: 31794239 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2019.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to reduce the approach tendency toward alcohol among heavy social drinkers using the Virtual Alcohol Approach-Avoidance Training Task training. A total of 28 heavy social drinkers were randomly assigned to either the training group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 14). The training group was implicitly trained to avoid situations that involved drinking alcohol and to approach situations that involved drinking nonalcoholic beverages. On the other hand, the control group received a sham training condition with the same ratio of approach or avoidance of drinking either alcohol or a nonalcoholic beverage. All participants made three visits in a period of 2-3 weeks to participate in either the training or sham training. As a result, the training group showed a decrease in implicit approach tendencies toward alcohol, but not in explicit craving for alcohol. In contrast, the control group showed an increase in both implicit approach tendencies and explicit craving toward alcohol. These results indicate that the virtual reality training to avoid alcohol-related stimuli or environments might reduce automatic action tendencies toward alcohol, while simply being exposed to alcohol-related stimuli or environments might increase craving for alcohol in the sham training group. Our findings also suggest that, including not only visual stimuli but also auditory stimuli in a virtual environment might be a tool for changing approach bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deok-Yong Kim
- Department of Psychology, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jang-Han Lee
- Department of Psychology, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
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7
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Holtyn AF, Weerts EM. Evaluation of mifepristone effects on alcohol-seeking and self-administration in baboons. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2019; 27:227-235. [PMID: 30570274 PMCID: PMC6727199 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mifepristone, a type II glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, is under investigation as a potential pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder. This study examined effects of chronic administration of mifepristone on alcohol-seeking and self-administration in large nonhuman primates. Adult baboons (n = 5) self-administered alcohol 7 days/week under a chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR). The CSR comprised 3 components in which distinct cues were paired with different schedule requirements, with alcohol available for self-administration only in the final component, to model different phases of alcohol anticipation, seeking, and consumption. Under baseline conditions, baboons self-administered an average of 1g/kg/day of alcohol in the self-administration period. Mifepristone (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered orally 30 min before each CSR session for 7 consecutive days. In a separate group of baboons (n = 5) acute doses of mifepristone (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) were administered, and blood samples were collected over 72 hr to examine mifepristone pharmacokinetics. Some samples also were collected from the baboons that self-administered alcohol under the CSR after the chronic mifepristone condition. Mifepristone did not alter alcohol-seeking or self-administration under the CSR when compared with the vehicle condition. Mifepristone pharmacokinetics were nonlinear, and appear to be capacity limited. In sum, mifepristone did not reduce alcohol-maintained behaviors when administered to baboons drinking 1g/kg daily. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- August F. Holtyn
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Dr, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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8
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Ghiţă A, Teixidor L, Monras M, Ortega L, Mondon S, Gual A, Paredes SM, Villares Urgell L, Porras-García B, Ferrer-García M, Gutiérrez-Maldonado J. Identifying Triggers of Alcohol Craving to Develop Effective Virtual Environments for Cue Exposure Therapy. Front Psychol 2019; 10:74. [PMID: 30761042 PMCID: PMC6361736 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many studies have indicated that alcohol craving is a core mechanism in the acquisition, maintenance, and precipitation of relapse in alcohol use disorder (AUD). A common treatment approach in AUD is cue exposure therapy (CET). New technologies like virtual reality (VR) have the potential to enhance the effectiveness of CET by creating realistic scenarios in naturalistic environments. In this study, we aimed to determine relevant triggers of alcohol craving in patients with AUD. Methods: We enrolled 75 outpatients diagnosed with AUD according to the DSM-5 criteria Participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and a self-administered questionnaire to assess alcohol craving. The variables included in the craving questionnaire were as follows: presence of others, situations, time of the day, day of the week, mood, and type of alcoholic beverage. Results: Greater levels of alcohol craving were seen in many situations, including being at a party, in a restaurant, in a bar or pub, and at home. Drinking alone and drinking with two or more friends were equally associated with higher levels of craving. Drinking at night and drinking at weekends also emerged as triggers for alcohol craving. Emotional states like anxiety or tension, sadness, stress, frustration, or irritability were highly associated with urges to drink alcohol. The alcoholic drinks most highly associated with increased levels of craving were beer, wine, and whisky. Gender and age implications were discussed. Conclusion: This study is part of a larger project aiming to develop and validate CET based on VR technology for patients with AUD who are resistant to classical treatment. The identified triggers have been used to develop relevant VR environments for CET, and further research is ongoing to implement our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ghiţă
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lidia Teixidor
- Addictive Behaviors Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Monras
- Addictive Behaviors Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluisa Ortega
- Addictive Behaviors Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Mondon
- Addictive Behaviors Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Gual
- Addictive Behaviors Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sofia Miranda Paredes
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Villares Urgell
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bruno Porras-García
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Ferrer-García
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Plawecki MH, White K, Kosobud A, Grahame N, Zimmermann US, Crabb D, O’Connor S. Sex Differences in Motivation to Self-Administer Alcohol After 2 Weeks of Abstinence in Young-Adult Heavy Drinkers. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:1897-1908. [PMID: 30080254 PMCID: PMC6167142 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in animal models document that forced abstinence from usual consumption of alcohol changes subsequent seeking and consumption, with increases or decreases depending on the species, duration of abstinence, number of deprivations, and sex. Human laboratory-based alcohol deprivation studies are rare. METHODS We conducted a 2-session, within-participant, randomized-order comparison of intravenous, progressive ratio, alcohol self-administration during 2.5 hours of progressive work for alcohol and/or vehicle; once while the participants pursued their usual drinking habits and once after 2 weeks of closely monitored, voluntary outpatient abstinence from alcohol. The schedule of work for rewards and the incremental increases in breath alcohol concentration following completion of an alcohol work-set were identical across participants. Fifty young-adult (27 men), heavy-drinking participants completed both sessions. Our primary hypothesis was that motivation to work for alcohol after 2 weeks of abstinence would be greater in participants with a weekly binge pattern of drinking, compared to those who regularly drink heavily, and we intended to explore associations with biological family history of alcoholism and sex. RESULTS We detected no change in work for alcohol associated with recent drinking history. However, females, on average, increased their work for alcohol upon resumption after 2 weeks of abstinence (mean ± SEM = +16.3 ± 9.6%), while males decreased that work (-24.8 ± 13.8%). The sex difference was substantial and significant (p < 0.03), with a medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS We believe a more comprehensive study of mechanisms underlying the sex differences in the human postabstinence response is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Henry Plawecki
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kurt White
- Indiana University School of Epidemiology, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ann Kosobud
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nicholas Grahame
- Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Psychology
| | - Ulrich S. Zimmermann
- Technische Universitat Dresden, Germany, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - David Crabb
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sean O’Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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10
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Ghiţă A, Gutiérrez-Maldonado J. Applications of virtual reality in individuals with alcohol misuse: A systematic review. Addict Behav 2018; 81:1-11. [PMID: 29421343 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use and misuse have been intensively studied, due to their negative consequences in the general population. Evidence-based literature emphasizes that alcohol craving plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of alcohol-drinking patterns. Many individuals develop Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD); significantly, after treatment many also experience relapses, in which alcohol craving has been repeatedly implicated. Cue-exposure therapy (CET) has been widely used in the treatment of alcohol misuse, but the results are inconsistent. Virtual reality (VR) can add effectiveness to cue-exposure techniques by providing multiple variables and inputs that enable personalized alcohol use assessment and treatment. The aim of this review was to examine the applications of virtual reality in individuals who misuse alcohol. METHOD We conducted an exhaustive literature search of the Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and PsycInfo databases, using as search items terms such as "alcohol" and its derivates, and virtual reality. RESULTS We identified 13 studies on alcohol craving that implemented virtual reality as an assessment or treatment tool. CONCLUSIONS The studies that incorporate VR present clear limitations. First, no clinical trials were conducted to explore the efficacy of the VR as a treatment tool; nor were there any studies of the generalization of craving responses in the real world, or of the long-term effects of VR treatment. Despite these limitations, the studies included showed consistent results as regards eliciting and reducing alcohol craving. We suggest that VR shows promise as a tool for the assessment and treatment of craving among individuals with alcohol misuse. Further studies implementing VR in the field of alcohol consumption are now required.
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Holtyn AF, Kaminski BJ, Weerts EM. Baclofen and naltrexone effects on alcohol self-administration: Comparison of treatment initiated during abstinence or ongoing alcohol access in baboons. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 179:47-54. [PMID: 28753481 PMCID: PMC5599358 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist, is under investigation as a pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder. Treatment with a pharmacotherapeutic can be initiated during alcohol abstinence or active drinking, which may influence treatment outcomes. This study examined whether baclofen treatment initiated and maintained during alcohol abstinence would reduce alcohol seeking and self-administration upon return to alcohol access, and whether effects differed from treatment initiated and maintained during ongoing alcohol access. Naltrexone was tested under similar conditions for comparison. METHODS Five baboons self-administered alcohol under a three-component chained schedule of reinforcement that modeled periods of anticipation (Component 1), seeking (Component 2), and consumption (Component 3). Alcohol was only available in Component 3. In Experiment 1, baclofen (0.1-1.8mg/kg) or naltrexone (1.0-5.6mg/kg) was administered daily beginning on the first day of a 5-day abstinence period and treatment was continued for 5days of alcohol access. In Experiment 2, selected doses of both drugs were administered during ongoing alcohol access. RESULTS When treatment was initiated during alcohol abstinence, baclofen and naltrexone did not significantly reduce total alcohol intake (g/kg) or alcohol seeking. In comparison, when treatment was initiated during ongoing alcohol access, both baclofen (1.8mg/kg) and naltrexone (3.2 and 5.6mg/kg) significantly reduced total alcohol intake (g/kg). Naltrexone (5.6mg/kg), but not baclofen, significantly reduced alcohol seeking. CONCLUSIONS Initiation of baclofen treatment (or other alcohol use disorder treatments) during abstinence or active drinking may be an important factor in influencing efficacy and appropriate dose selection.
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Incubation of cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine, but not sucrose, seeking in C57BL/6J mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 159:12-17. [PMID: 28669705 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies have shown that drug-seeking behaviors increase, rather than dissipate, over weeks to months after withdrawal from drug self-administration. This phenomenon - termed incubation - suggests that drug-craving responses elicited by conditioned environmental or discrete cues may intensify over pronged abstinence. While most of this work is conducted in rats with intravenous drug self-administration models, there is less evidence for incubation in mice that have greater utility for molecular genetic analysis and perturbation. We tested whether incubation of cocaine-seeking behavior is evident in C57BL/6J mice following 3weeks (5days/week) of cocaine self-administration in 2h self-administration sessions. We compared cocaine-seeking (drug-paired lever) responses 1, 7, or 28days after withdrawal from cocaine self-administration, and over similar times following sucrose pellet self-administration. We found that the initial re-exposure to the self-administration test chambers elicited increased reward-seeking behavior in both sucrose and cocaine self-administering mice, with maximal responses found at 7days compared to 1 or 28days after self-administration with either reinforcer. However, following extinction training, reinstatement of cocaine seeking reinforced by response-contingent presentation of reward-associated cues (tone/light) was significantly higher after 28days compared to 1 or 7days following cocaine self-administration. In contrast, cue-induced reinstatement of sucrose-paired lever pressing did not increase over this time frame, demonstrating a drug-specific incubation effect not seen with a natural reward. Thus, C57BL/6J mice display incubation of cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking similar to findings with rats, but only show a transient incubation of context-induced cocaine seeking.
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Seleverstov O, Tobiasz A, Jackson JS, Sullivan R, Ma D, Sullivan JP, Davison S, Akkhawattanangkul Y, Tate DL, Costello T, Barnett S, Li W, Mari G, Dopico AM, Bukiya AN. Maternal alcohol exposure during mid-pregnancy dilates fetal cerebral arteries via endocannabinoid receptors. Alcohol 2017; 61:51-61. [PMID: 28554529 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure often results in fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Mechanisms of fetal brain damage by alcohol remain unclear. We used baboons (Papio spp.) to study alcohol-driven changes in the fetal cerebral artery endocannabinoid system. Pregnant baboons were subjected to binge alcohol exposure via gastric infusion three times during a period equivalent to the second trimester of human pregnancy. A control group was infused with orange-flavored drink that was isocaloric to the alcohol-containing solution. Cesarean sections were performed at a time equivalent to the end of the second trimester of human pregnancy. Fetal cerebral arteries were harvested and subjected to in vitro pressurization followed by pharmacological profiling. During each alcohol-infusion episode, maternal blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) reached 80 mg/dL, that is, equivalent to the BAC considered legal intoxication in humans. Circulating anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) remained unchanged. Ultrasound studies on pregnant mothers revealed that fetal alcohol exposure decreased peak systolic blood velocity in middle cerebral arteries when compared to pre-alcohol levels. Moreover, ethanol-induced dilation was observed in fetal cerebral arteries pressurized in vitro. This dilation was abolished by the mixture of AM251 and AM630, which block cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2, respectively. In the presence of AM251, the cannabinoid receptor agonist AEA evoked a higher, concentration-dependent dilation of cerebral arteries from alcohol-exposed fetuses. The difference in AEA-induced cerebral artery dilation vanished in the presence of AM630. CB1 and CB2 receptor mRNA and protein levels were similar in cerebral arteries from alcohol-exposed and control-exposed fetuses. In summary, alcohol exposure dilates fetal cerebral arteries via endocannabinoid receptors and results in an increased function of CB2.
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Holtyn AF, Tiruveedhula VVNPB, Stephen MR, Cook JM, Weerts EM. Effects of the benzodiazepine GABA A α1-preferring antagonist 3-isopropoxy-β-carboline hydrochloride (3-ISOPBC) on alcohol seeking and self-administration in baboons. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 170:25-31. [PMID: 27865151 PMCID: PMC5183547 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), modulates many of the behavioral effects of alcohol, including sedation, tolerance, and withdrawal. The α1 subunit of the benzodiazepine GABAA receptor is the most widely expressed alpha subunit in the brain, and has been implicated in the reinforcing- and abuse-related effects of alcohol. The aim of the present study was to examine whether treatment with a benzodiazepine GABAA α1-preferring ligand, 3-isopropoxy-β-carboline hydrochloride (3-ISOPBC), selectively decreases alcohol seeking and consumption. METHODS Eight baboons self-administered alcohol (4% w/v; n=5; alcohol group) or a non-alcoholic beverage (n=3; control group) in Component 3 of a chained schedule of reinforcement. Responses in Component 2 provided indices of motivation to drink (seeking). Doses of 3-ISOPBC (5.0-30.0mg/kg) and vehicle were administered before drinking sessions under both acute and chronic (5day) conditions. RESULTS Chronic, and not acute, administration of 3-ISOPBC significantly decreased self-administration responses, g/kg alcohol consumed, and the number of drinks in and duration of the first drinking bout in the alcohol group. In the control group, chronic administration of 3-ISOPBC did not significantly decrease any of these measures at any of the doses. CONCLUSIONS The GABAA α1-preferring ligand 3-ISOPBC may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of alcohol use disorder due to its ability to selectively reduce alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- August F Holtyn
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Behavioral Biology, 5510 Nathan Shock Dr, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - V V N Phani Babu Tiruveedhula
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 3210 N Cramer St, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | - Michael Rajesh Stephen
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 3210 N Cramer St, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | - James M Cook
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 3210 N Cramer St, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | - Elise M Weerts
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Behavioral Biology, 5510 Nathan Shock Dr, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Operant self-administration of ethanol in infant rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 148:87-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Li P, Wu P, Xin X, Fan YL, Wang GB, Wang F, Ma MY, Xue MM, Luo YX, Yang FD, Bao YP, Shi J, Sun HQ, Lu L. Incubation of alcohol craving during abstinence in patients with alcohol dependence. Addict Biol 2015; 20:513-22. [PMID: 24698092 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Time-dependent increases in cue-induced nicotine and methamphetamine craving during abstinence were recently reported in human drug-dependent individuals. In the present study, we sought to determine whether this 'incubation of craving' phenomenon also occurs in alcoholics. Four groups of 80 inpatient adult male alcoholics were assessed in a single session (between-group design) for cue-induced alcohol craving at 7, 14, 30 and 60 days of abstinence. Another group that included 19 patients was repeatedly tested for cue-induced alcohol craving at the same abstinence days as above. Other psychological and physiological measures were assessed at the four abstinence timepoints. Cue-induced alcohol craving measured with visual analogue scales was the highest at 60 days of abstinence both between and within groups. However, heart rate, blood pressure and skin conductance responses did not differ between abstinent groups. These results provide evidence of the incubation of alcohol craving in humans, extending previous reports with smokers and methamphetamine addicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Institute of Mental Health/Peking University Sixth Hospital; Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Ministry of Health; China
- National Institute on Drug Dependence; Peking University; China
| | - Ping Wu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence; Peking University; China
| | - Xue Xin
- Department of Physiology; Basic Medical College; Inner Mongolia Medical University; China
| | - Yun-Li Fan
- Department of Alcohol and Drug Dependence; Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital; Peking University; China
| | - Gui-Bin Wang
- Institute of Material Medical; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Alcohol and Drug Dependence; Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital; Peking University; China
| | - Meng-Ying Ma
- Department of Alcohol and Drug Dependence; Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital; Peking University; China
| | - Ming-Ming Xue
- Department of Physiology; Basic Medical College; Inner Mongolia Medical University; China
| | - Yi-Xiao Luo
- Institute of Mental Health/Peking University Sixth Hospital; Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Ministry of Health; China
- National Institute on Drug Dependence; Peking University; China
| | - Fu-De Yang
- Department of Alcohol and Drug Dependence; Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital; Peking University; China
| | - Yan-Ping Bao
- National Institute on Drug Dependence; Peking University; China
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence; Peking University; China
| | - Hong-Qiang Sun
- Institute of Mental Health/Peking University Sixth Hospital; Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Ministry of Health; China
| | - Lin Lu
- Institute of Mental Health/Peking University Sixth Hospital; Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Ministry of Health; China
- National Institute on Drug Dependence; Peking University; China
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Bull C, Syed WA, Minter SC, Bowers MS. Differential response of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes in the rat prefrontal cortex following ethanol self-administration. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:650-8. [PMID: 25833026 PMCID: PMC4384186 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prefrontal cortex (PFC) dysfunction is believed to contribute to the transition from controlled substance use to abuse. Because astrocytes have been suggested to play a key role in the development and maintenance of drug-seeking behaviors, we sought to determine whether PFC astrocytes are affected by ethanol (EtOH) self-administration. METHODS EtOH consumption was modeled in rats by 3 self-administration paradigms where EtOH was made concurrently available with water in the home cage either continuously (CEA) or intermittently (IEA). In the third paradigm, EtOH was only available in the operant chamber (OEA). To avoid the potential confound of acute EtOH effects, all rats were sacrificed after either 24-hour or 3-week abstinence. In all groups, the effect of EtOH consumption on PFC astrocytes was measured using unbiased stereological counting of cells expressing the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). GFAP immunoreactivity commonly changes in response to pharmacological insult or injury. RESULTS GFAP-positive astrocyte number increased in the prelimbic and anterior cingulate cortex regions of the PFC after IEA. No change was found in the infralimbic or orbitofrontal cortex after IEA. After 3-week abstinence, there was a reduction of astrocytes in the prelimbic and orbitofrontal cortex of the CEA cohort as well as a reduction in the orbitofrontal cortex of the OEA cohort. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that discrete PFC subregions contain GFAP-positive astrocyte populations that respond differentially to distinct EtOH consumption paradigms. A better understanding of how specific astrocyte populations uniquely adapt to EtOH consumption could provide insight for targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Bull
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
| | - Wahab A. Syed
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
| | - Sabrina C. Minter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
| | - M. Scott Bowers
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
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Holtyn AF, Kaminski BJ, Wand GS, Weerts EM. Differences in extinction of cue-maintained conditioned responses associated with self-administration: alcohol versus a nonalcoholic reinforcer. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:2639-46. [PMID: 25336025 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stimuli paired with alcohol may evoke conditioned responses that influence consumption and relapse. Understanding extinction of conditioned responses for both alcohol and nonalcoholic reinforcers, and their relation to subsequent consumption, may be useful in identifying methods to maintain abstinence. METHODS Nine baboons self-administered alcohol (n = 4) or a nonalcoholic reinforcer (orange-flavored Tang(®) , n = 5) under a 3-component chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR). Each component was associated with distinct stimuli and response requirements, which modeled periods of anticipation (Component 1), seeking (Component 2), and consumption (Component 3). No behavioral contingencies were in effect during Component 1. Responses in Component 2, required to gain access to Component 3, provided indices of seeking behavior. Alcohol or Tang® was available only in Component 3. Initial conditions parametrically manipulated the concentration of alcohol (2 to 6% w/v) or Tang (25 to 100%) that was available for self-administration. The breaking point (BP) of alcohol- and Tang-seeking responses at each of the concentrations was determined by adding a progressive ratio schedule to Component 2. Extinction of responding under stimulus conditions identical to those during baseline, but with no access to alcohol or Tang, was examined using across- and within-session extinction procedures. RESULTS The BP for 2% w/v alcohol was lower than that for 4 and 6%, which were closely similar. For Tang, BPs increased as the concentration increased. When concentrations of alcohol and Tang were adjusted to produce comparable BPs, self-administration of Tang was higher when compared to alcohol; however, alcohol-related cues maintained higher BPs than Tang-related cues when only water was available for self-administration. Alcohol seeking and self-administration responses were more resistant to extinction than those for Tang. CONCLUSIONS Stimuli paired with alcohol or nonalcoholic reinforcers will gain different motivational properties. Alcohol-related stimuli produced persistent responding that was highly resistant to change, highlighting the role of environmental stimuli in compulsive drinking and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- August F Holtyn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Kaminski BJ, Weerts EM. The effects of varenicline on alcohol seeking and self-administration in baboons. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:376-83. [PMID: 24033702 PMCID: PMC3868628 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may play a critical role in alcohol reinforcement and consumption. The effects of varenicline, an nAChR partial agonist, on alcohol seeking and self-administration responses were evaluated in 2 groups of baboons trained under a 3-component chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR). METHODS Alcohol (4% w/v; n = 4; alcohol group) or a preferred nonalcoholic beverage (n = 4; control group) was available for self-administration only in component 3 of the CSR. Responses in component 2, required to gain access to alcohol, provided indices of seeking behavior. Varenicline (0.032 to 0.32 mg/kg; 0.32 mg/kg twice daily [BID]) and vehicle were administered before CSR sessions subchronically (5 consecutive days). Higher doses (0.56, 1.0 mg/kg) were attempted, but discontinued due to adverse effects. RESULTS Subchronic varenicline administration significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the seeking response rate and increased the time to complete the response requirement to gain access to the daily supply of alcohol at the higher doses (0.32 mg/kg, 0.32 mg/kg BID dosing) in the alcohol group compared with the control group. Mean number of drinks was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), but effects did not differ between groups. The pattern of drinking was characterized by a high rate during an initial bout. Number of drinks during and duration of the initial bout were significantly decreased in the alcohol group, compared with the control group, at 0.32 mg/kg (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Varenicline may be clinically useful for reducing alcohol-seeking behaviors prior to alcohol exposure. Given the modest effects on drinking itself, varenicline may be better suited as a treatment in combination with a pharmacotherapy that significantly reduces alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J. Kaminski
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224
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Dick EJ, Owston MA, David JM, Sharp RM, Rouse S, Hubbard GB. Mortality in captive baboons (Papio spp.): a-23-year study. J Med Primatol 2014; 43:169-96. [PMID: 24483852 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report the causes of mortality for 4350 captive baboons that died or were euthanized due to natural causes during a 23 year period at the Southwest National Primate Research Center. METHODS Necropsy records were retrieved and reviewed to determine a primary cause of death or indication for euthanasia. Data was evaluated for morphological diagnosis, organ system, and etiology. RESULTS The 20 most common morphologic diagnoses accounted for 76% of the cases, including stillborn (10.8%); colitis (8.6%); hemorrhage (8.4%); ulcer (5.2%); seizures (4.7%); pneumonia (4.2%); inanition (4.1%); dermatitis (3.8%); spondylosis (3.3%); and amyloidosis (3.0%). The digestive system was most frequently involved (21.3%), followed by the urogenital (20.3%), cardiovascular (12.2%), and multisystem disease (10.3%). An etiology was not identified in approximately one-third of cases. The most common etiologies were trauma (14.8%), degenerative (9.5%), viral (8.7%), and neoplastic/proliferative (7.0%). CONCLUSION This information should be useful for individuals working with baboons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Dick
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Duke AN, Kaminski BJ, Weerts EM. Baclofen effects on alcohol seeking, self-administration and extinction of seeking responses in a within-session design in baboons. Addict Biol 2014; 19:16-26. [PMID: 22458648 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00448.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Baclofen, a gamma-aminobutyric acidB receptor agonist, is currently under investigation as a potential treatment to prevent relapse to drinking in alcohol-dependent persons. In the current study, two groups of baboons were trained under a chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR), with three linked components, which were each correlated with different response requirements and cues. Fulfilling the requirement in the second link initiated the third link where either alcohol (n = 4) or a preferred non-alcoholic beverage (Tang, n = 5) was available for self-administration; failure to complete the response requirement in Link 2 ended the session (no access to alcohol or Tang). Seeking responses in Link 2 were used as indices of the motivational processes thought to be involved in relapse. The effects of baclofen (0.1-2.4 mg/kg) were examined under conditions with alcohol or Tang access and under extinction. Under the CSR, baclofen (1.8 and 2.4 mg/kg) significantly decreased (P < 0.05) alcohol self-administration responses and total g/kg alcohol intake. In contrast, only the highest dose of baclofen (2.4 mg/kg) reduced Tang self-administration and consumption. Under within-session extinction conditions, baclofen (1.8 and 2.4 mg/kg) facilitated extinction of responding for both alcohol and Tang, particularly during the first 10 minutes of extinction. Baclofen may be effective in reducing craving and alcohol drinking, although the facilitation of extinction and suppression of both alcohol and Tang self-administration by baclofen suggests these effects may be related to a more general suppression of consummatory and conditioned behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela N Duke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Behavioral Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Suite, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Adams
- School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Li Q, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Li W, Zhu J, Zheng Y, Chen J, Zhao L, Zhou Z, Liu Y, Wang W, Tian J. Assessing cue-induced brain response as a function of abstinence duration in heroin-dependent individuals: an event-related fMRI study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62911. [PMID: 23667541 PMCID: PMC3646913 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain activity induced by heroin-related cues may play a role in the maintenance of heroin dependence. Whether the reinforcement or processing biases construct an everlasting feature of heroin addiction remains to be resolved. We used an event-related fMRI paradigm to measure brain activation in response to heroin cue-related pictures versus neutral pictures as the control condition in heroin-dependent patients undergoing short-term and long-term abstinence. The self-reported craving scores were significantly increased after cue exposure in the short-term abstinent patients (t = 3.000, P = 0.008), but no increase was found in the long-term abstinent patients (t = 1.510, P = 0.149). However, no significant differences in cue-induced craving changes were found between the two groups (t = 1.193, P = 0.850). Comparing between the long-term abstinence and short-term abstinence groups, significant decreases in brain activation were detected in the bilateral anterior cingulated cortex, left medial prefrontal cortex, caudate, middle occipital gyrus, inferior parietal lobule and right precuneus. Among all of the heroin dependent patients, the abstinence duration was negatively correlated with brain activation in the left medial prefrontal cortex and left inferior parietal lobule. These findings suggest that long-term abstinence may be useful for heroin-dependent patients to diminish their saliency value of heroin-related cues and possibly lower the relapse vulnerability to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yarong Wang
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jia Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Liyan Zhao
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhou
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- * E-mail: (WW) (WW); (JT) (JT)
| | - Jie Tian
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, China
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (WW) (WW); (JT) (JT)
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Kaminski BJ, Van Linn ML, Cook JM, Yin W, Weerts EM. Effects of the benzodiazepine GABAA α1-preferring ligand, 3-propoxy-β-carboline hydrochloride (3-PBC), on alcohol seeking and self-administration in baboons. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 227:127-36. [PMID: 23271191 PMCID: PMC3624026 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2946-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The various α subtypes of GABAA receptors have been strongly implicated in alcohol reinforcement and consumption. OBJECTIVES The effects of the GABAA α1-preferring ligand, 3-propoxy-β-carboline hydrochloride (3-PBC), on seeking and self-administration responses were evaluated in two groups of baboons trained under a 3-component chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR). METHODS Alcohol (4 % w/v; n = 5; alcohol group) or a preferred nonalcoholic beverage (n = 4; control group) was available for self-administration only in component 3 of the CSR. Responses in component 2 provided indices of motivation to drink (seeking). 3-PBC (1.0-30.0 mg/kg) and saline were administered before drinking sessions under both acute and 5-day dosing conditions. RESULTS Repeated, and not acute, doses of 3-PBC significantly decreased total self-administration responses (p < 0.05), volume consumed (p < 0.05), and gram per kilogram of alcohol (p < 0.05) in the alcohol group. In the control group, 5-day administration of 3-PBC significantly decreased total self-administration responses (p < 0.05) but produced nonsignificant decreases in volume consumed. Within-session pattern of drinking was characterized by a high level of drinking in the first 20 min of the session for both groups, which was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by all doses of 3-PBC (1.0-18.0 mg/kg) only in the alcohol group. In contrast, the first drinking bout in the control group was only reduced at the highest doses of 3-PBC (10.0 and 18.0 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS The results support the involvement of the GABAA α1 subtype receptor in alcohol reinforcement and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J. Kaminski
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Michael L. Van Linn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201
| | - James M. Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201
| | - Wenyuan Yin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224
- Corresponding Author: Elise M. Weerts, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus, Behavioral Biology Research Center, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Suite 3000, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA Tel.: 410-550-2781; Fax: 410-550-2780;
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Effects of naltrexone on alcohol drinking patterns and extinction of alcohol seeking in baboons. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 223:55-66. [PMID: 22451093 PMCID: PMC3419300 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2688-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Understanding naltrexone's effect on motivation to drink and pattern of drinking is important for better treatment outcomes and for comparison with novel medications. OBJECTIVES Naltrexone's effects on number and pattern of seeking, self-administration, and extinction responses were evaluated in two groups of baboons trained under a three-component chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR). METHODS Alcohol (4 % w/v; n = 4; alcohol group) or a preferred nonalcoholic beverage (n = 4; control group) was available for self-administration only in component 3 of the CSR. Responses in component 2 provided indices of motivation to drink (seeking). Naltrexone (0.32-3.2 mg/kg) and saline were administered before drinking and component 2 extinction sessions. RESULTS Acute doses of naltrexone significantly decreased total self-administration responses (p < 0.01), intake volume (p < 0.001), and grams per kilogram of alcohol (p < 0.01) in the alcohol group only. Pattern of drinking did not change, but the number of drinks during the initial drinking bout was decreased significantly by naltrexone for both groups (p < 0.05). During within-session extinction tests, acute naltrexone significantly decreased time to reach extinction (p < 0.01) and number of seeking responses (p < 0.05), particularly early in the extinction period in the alcohol group only. When administered chronically, naltrexone did not decrease progressive ratio breaking points to gain access to alcohol, but dose dependently reduced alcohol self-administration (p < 0.05) by decreasing the magnitude of the initial drinking bout. CONCLUSIONS The results support clinical observations that naltrexone may be most effective at reducing self-administration in the context of ongoing alcohol availability and may reduce motivation to drink in the presence of alcohol-related cues.
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Incubation of cue-induced cigarette craving during abstinence in human smokers. Biol Psychiatry 2011; 69:708-11. [PMID: 20817135 PMCID: PMC3027849 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 07/01/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abstinent drug users remain at risk for relapse long after withdrawal subsides. Animal studies indicate that responses to drug-related cues not only persist but increase with abstinence, a phenomenon termed "incubation of drug craving." It is unknown whether cue-induced craving increases, decreases, or remains constant with abstinence in humans. We investigated effects of abstinence on cue-induced craving in cigarette smokers. METHODS Eighty-six non-treatment-seeking, adult smokers (≥10 cigarettes daily) were paid to abstain for 7 (Group 1), 14 (Group 2), or 35 (Groups 3 and 4) days. Abstinence was verified daily. Groups 1, 2, and 3 underwent a single cue session on the final abstinence day (7, 14, or 35). Group 4 viewed cues on Days 7, 14, and 35. RESULTS Between and within groups, smoking-cue-induced craving increased with abstinence on some measures. Cue-induced craving was greater in Group 3 (35-day) compared with Group 1 (7-day). Within Group 4, cue-induced craving was greater at 35 than 14 days. Cue-induced craving did not decrease with abstinence on any measure. CONCLUSIONS We present initial evidence of incubation of cue-induced craving in humans. The observation that cue-induced craving increases with abstinence, even as "background" craving and withdrawal symptoms subside, might have treatment implications.
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Cognitive enhancers for facilitating drug cue extinction: insights from animal models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 99:229-44. [PMID: 21295059 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Revised: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Given the success of cue exposure (extinction) therapy combined with a cognitive enhancer for reducing anxiety, it is anticipated that this approach will prove more efficacious than exposure therapy alone in preventing relapse in individuals with substance use disorders. Several factors may undermine the efficacy of exposure therapy for substance use disorders, but we suspect that neurocognitive impairments associated with chronic drug use are an important contributing factor. Numerous insights on these issues are gained from research using animal models of addiction. In this review, the relationship between brain sites whose learning, memory and executive functions are impaired by chronic drug use and brain sites that are important for effective drug cue extinction learning is explored first. This is followed by an overview of animal research showing improved treatment outcome for drug addiction (e.g. alcohol, amphetamine, cocaine, heroin) when explicit extinction training is conducted in combination with acute dosing of a cognitive-enhancing drug. The mechanism by which cognitive enhancers are thought to exert their benefits is by facilitating consolidation of drug cue extinction memory after activation of glutamatergic receptors. Based on the encouraging work in animals, factors that may be important for the treatment of drug addiction are considered.
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Bommineni YR, Dick EJ, Malapati AR, Owston MA, Hubbard GB. Natural pathology of the Baboon (Papio spp.). J Med Primatol 2011; 40:142-55. [PMID: 21226714 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0684.2010.00463.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baboons are useful animal models for biomedical research, but the natural pathology of the baboon is not as well defined as other non-human primates. METHODS A computer search for all morphologic diagnoses from baboon necropsies at the Southwest National Primate Research Center was performed and included all the natural deaths and animals euthanized for natural causes. RESULTS A total of 10,883 macroscopic or microscopic morphologic diagnoses in 4297 baboons were documented and are presented by total incidence, relative incidence by sex and age-group, and mean age of occurrence. The most common diagnoses in descending order of occurrence were hemorrhage, stillborn, amyloidosis, colitis, spondylosis, and pneumonia. The systems with the most diagnoses were the digestive, urogenital, musculoskeletal, and respiratory. CONCLUSION This extensive evaluation of the natural pathology of the baboon should be an invaluable biomedical research resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugendar R Bommineni
- Southwest National Primate Research Center at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX 78245-0549, USA
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29
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Abstract
Drug addiction is marked by continued drug-seeking behavior despite deleterious consequences and a heightened propensity to relapse not withstanding long, drug-free periods. The enduring nature of addiction has been hypothesized to arise from perturbations in intracellular signaling, gene expression, and brain circuitry induced by substance abuse. Ameliorating some of these aberrations should abate behavioral and neurochemical markers associated with an 'addiction phenotype'. This review summarizes data showing that protein expression and signaling through the nonreceptor activator of G-protein signaling 3 (AGS3) are altered by commonly abused substances in rat and in in-vitro addiction models. AGS3 structure and function are unrelated to the more broadly studied regulator of G-protein signaling family. Thus, the unique role of AGS3 is the focus of this review. Intriguingly, AGS3 protein changes persist into drug abstinence. Accordingly, studies probing the role of AGS3 in the neurochemistry of drug-seeking behavior and relapse are studied in detail. To illuminate this study, AGS3 structure, cellular localization, and function are covered so that an idealized AGS3-targeted pharmacotherapy can be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Scott Bowers
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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Nucleus accumbens AGS3 expression drives ethanol seeking through G betagamma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:12533-8. [PMID: 18719114 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0706999105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 90% of alcoholics relapse within 4 years, in part because of an enhanced motivation to seek alcohol (EtOH). A novel G protein modulator (Gpsm1/AGS3) was up-regulated in the rat nucleus accumbens core (NAcore) but not in other limbic nuclei during abstinence from operant EtOH self-administration. Furthermore, NAcore AGS3 knockdown reduced EtOH seeking to pre-abstinence levels in a novel rat model of compulsive, human EtOH seeking. AGS3 can both inhibit G protein G i alpha-mediated signaling and stimulate G betagamma-mediated signaling. Accordingly, sequestration of G betagamma, but not G i alpha knockdown, significantly reduced EtOH seeking to pre-abstinence levels. Thus, AGS3 and G betagamma are hypothesized to gate the uncontrolled motivation to seek EtOH during abstinence. AGS3 up-regulation during abstinence may be a key determinant of the transition from social consumption to compulsion-like seeking during relapse.
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Kaminski BJ, Goodwin AK, Wand G, Weerts EM. Dissociation of alcohol-seeking and consumption under a chained schedule of oral alcohol reinforcement in baboons. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2008; 32:1014-22. [PMID: 18422839 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00662.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Initiation and maintenance of compulsive alcohol drinking involves a sequence of behaviors which occur in the presence of environmental cues. Animal models using chained schedules of alcohol reinforcement may be useful for examining the complex interactions between cues and alcohol-seeking and -consumption. METHODS Four baboons self-administered alcohol under a 3-component chained schedule of reinforcement; distinct cues were presented in the context of different behavioral contingencies associated with gaining access to 4% w/v alcohol (alcohol-seeking) and concluding with alcohol self-administration. First, the response strength of alcohol-related seeking responses was evaluated using a between-sessions progressive ratio (PR) procedure in which the response requirement to initiate the final contingency and gain access to the daily supply of alcohol was increased each session. The highest response requirement completed that resulted in alcohol access was defined as the breaking point (BP). Second, water was substituted for alcohol and PR procedures were repeated. The effects of increasing the "seeking" response requirement on subsequent alcohol or water consumption were also determined. RESULTS When alcohol was available, operant responses to gain access to and self-administer alcohol were maintained. When water was substituted for alcohol, alcohol-related cues continued to maintain alcohol-seeking responses. However, higher BPs, higher rates of self-administration and higher volumes of intake occurred when alcohol was available compared with water. Increasing the response requirement to gain access to alcohol did not reduce alcohol consumption (total alcohol intake). CONCLUSIONS These results show that alcohol-related cues maintained alcohol-seeking even after a prolonged period of only water availability. Cue-maintained alcohol-seeking behavior can be dissociated from subsequent alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Kaminski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Krank MD, O'Neill S, Squarey K, Jacob J. Goal- and signal-directed incentive: conditioned approach, seeking, and consumption established with unsweetened alcohol in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 196:397-405. [PMID: 17965977 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0971-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2007] [Accepted: 09/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Many theories of addictive behavior propose that cues signaling drug administration influence the likelihood of drug-taking and drug-seeking behavior. OBJECTIVES We investigated the behavioral impact of cues associated with unsweetened ethanol and their interaction with responding maintained by ethanol self-administration. Our goal was to establish the influence of such cues on ethanol seeking. MATERIALS AND METHODS The experiment used a matching contingency and saccharin-fading procedure to establish equal levels of responding to two spatially distinct levers using unsweetened 10% ethanol solution. After ethanol self-administration was established, a brief cue light located alternately over each lever location was either paired or unpaired (control) with the opportunity to consume the same ethanol solution. Finally, self-administration was re-established, and the effect of the cue was measured in a transfer design. RESULTS The reaction to lights paired with the opportunity to ingest unsweetened ethanol had three main effects: (1) induction of operant behavior reinforced by ethanol, (2) stimulation of ethanol-seeking behavior (drinker entries), and (3) cue-directed approach and contact behavior (i.e. autoshaping or sign-tracking). Cue-directed behavior to the light interacted with choice behavior in a manner predicted by the location of the cue light, enhancing responding only when the approach response did not interfere with the operant response. CONCLUSIONS These findings replicate and extend the effects of Pavlovian conditioning on ethanol-seeking and support-conditioned incentive theories of addictive behavior. Signals for ethanol influence spatial choice behavior and may be relevant to attentional bias shown to alcohol-associated stimuli in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin D Krank
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
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