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Fisher ML, Pauly JR, Froeliger B, Turner JR. Translational Research in Nicotine Addiction. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:cshperspect.a039776. [PMID: 32513669 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
While commendable strides have been made in reducing smoking initiation and improving smoking cessation rates, current available smoking cessation treatment options are still only mildly efficacious and show substantial interindividual variability in their therapeutic responses. Therefore, the primary goal of preclinical research has been to further the understanding of the neural substrates and genetic influences involved in nicotine's effects and reassess potential drug targets. Pronounced advances have been made by investing in new translational approaches and placing more emphasis on bridging the gap between human and rodent models of dependence. Functional neuroimaging studies have identified key brain structures involved with nicotine-dependence phenotypes such as craving, impulsivity, withdrawal symptoms, and smoking cessation outcomes. Following up with these findings, rodent-modeling techniques have made it possible to dissect the neural circuits involved in these motivated behaviors and ascertain mechanisms underlying nicotine's interactive effects on brain structure and function. Likewise, translational studies investigating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the cholinergic, dopaminergic, and opioid systems have found high levels of involvement of these neurotransmitter systems in regulating the reinforcing aspects of nicotine in both humans and mouse models. These findings and coordinated efforts between human and rodent studies pave the way for future work determining gene by drug interactions and tailoring treatment options to each individual smoker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Fisher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, USA
| | - James R Pauly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, USA
| | - Brett Froeliger
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, USA
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Kumar M, Adeluyi A, Anderson EL, Turner JR. Glial cells as therapeutic targets for smoking cessation. Neuropharmacology 2020; 175:108157. [PMID: 32461156 PMCID: PMC7791555 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Smoking remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with less than 5% of smokers attempting to quit succeeding. This low smoking cessation success rate is thought to be due to the long-term adaptations and alterations in synaptic plasticity that occur following chronic nicotine exposure and withdrawal. Glial cells have recently emerged as active players in the development of dependence phenotypes due to their roles in modulating neuronal functions and synaptic plasticity. Fundamental studies have demonstrated that microglia and astrocytes are crucial for synapse formation and elimination in the developing brain, likely contributing to why glial dysfunction is implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders. Recently, there is increasing evidence for the involvement of glial cells in drug dependence and its associated behavioral manifestations. This review summarizes the newly evaluated role of microglia and astrocytes as molecular drivers of nicotine dependence and withdrawal phenotypes. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Adewale Adeluyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA; Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Erin L Anderson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA.
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA.
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Dezfuli G, Olson TT, Martin LM, Keum Y, Siegars BA, Desai A, Uitz M, Sahibzada N, Gillis RA, Kellar KJ. α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors intrinsically influence body weight in mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 166:107921. [PMID: 31881170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107921] [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: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Desensitization of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) containing the β2 subunit is a potentially critical mechanism underlying the body weight (BW) reducing effects of nicotine. The purpose of this study was a) to determine the α subunit(s) that partners with the β2 subunit to form the nAChR subtype that endogenously regulates energy balance and b) to probe the extent to which nAChR desensitization could be involved in the regulation of BW. We demonstrate that deletion of either the α4 or the β2, but not the α5, subunit of the nAChR suppresses weight gain in a sex-dependent manner. Furthermore, chronic treatment with the β2-selective nAChR competitive antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE) in mice fed a high-fat diet suppresses weight gain. These results indicate that heteromeric α4β2 nAChRs play a role as intrinsic regulators of energy balance and that desensitizing or inhibiting this nAChR is likely a relevant mechanism and thus could be a strategy for weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaul Dezfuli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Thao T Olson
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Lukas M Martin
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Youngshin Keum
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Byron A Siegars
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Anushka Desai
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Mia Uitz
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Niaz Sahibzada
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Richard A Gillis
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Kenneth J Kellar
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA.
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Laikowski MM, Reisdorfer F, Moura S. NAChR α4β2 Subtype and their Relation with Nicotine Addiction, Cognition, Depression and Hyperactivity Disorder. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:3792-3811. [PMID: 29637850 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180410105135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal α4β2 nAChRs are receptors involved in the role of neurotransmitters regulation and release, and this ionic channel participates in biological process of memory, learning and attention. This work aims to review the structure and functioning of the α4β2 nAChR emphasizing its role in the treatment of associated diseases like nicotine addiction and underlying pathologies such as cognition, depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. METHODS The authors realized extensive bibliographic research using the descriptors "Nicotine Receptor α4β2" and "cognition", "depression", "attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder", besides cross-references of the selected articles and after analysis of references in the specific literature. RESULTS As results, it was that found 179 relevant articles presenting the main molecules with affinity to nAChR α4β2 related to the cited diseases. The α4β2 nAChR subtype is a remarkable therapeutic target since this is the most abundant receptor in the central nervous system. CONCLUSION In summary, this review presents perspectives on the pharmacology and therapeutic targeting of α4β2 nAChRs for the treatment of cognition and diseases like nicotine dependence, depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela M Laikowski
- Laboratory of Natural and Synthetics Products, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fávero Reisdorfer
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Quality Control, University Federal of Pampa, Brazil
| | - Sidnei Moura
- Laboratory of Natural and Synthetics Products, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Brazil
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Targowska-Duda KM, Budzynska B, Michalak A, Jozwiak K, Biala G, Arias HR. 3-Furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide, a highly selective positive allosteric modulator of α7 nicotinic receptors, produces anxiolytic-like activity in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:558-567. [PMID: 30644335 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118821100] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several lines of investigations support the idea that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors modulate neuronal pathways involved in anxiety and depression. AIMS The purpose of this study was to determine whether 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide, a highly selective positive allosteric modulator of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, influences anxiety-like behaviour in mice, and to determine the modulatory activity of 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide on mice pretreated with either nicotine or selective α7-agonists (i.e. PNU-282987 or (2.4)-dimethoxybenzylidene anabaseine dihydrochloride). METHODS The elevated plus maze and novelty suppressed feeding tests were selected to evaluate 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide and other nicotinic ligands on anxiety-like behaviour in mice. RESULTS The results indicated that: (a) 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide induces anxiolytic-like activity at 0.5 (elevated plus maze) and 1.0 (novelty suppressed feeding) mg/kg, respectively, after acute treatment, whereas its efficacy is increased after chronic treatments (i.e. active at 0.1 mg/kg; elevated plus maze). This is the first time showing anxiolytic-like activity elicited by 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide, contrary to the lack of activity for PNU-120596 (0.1 mg/kg); (b) the anxiolytic-like activity of 0.5 mg/kg 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide is inhibited by methyllycaconitine, a selective α7-antagonist, suggesting that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are involved in this process; (c) 0.5 mg/kg 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide reverses the anxiogenic effects induced by 0.1 mg/kg nicotine but not by 10.0 mg/kg PNU-282987; and (d) inactive doses of both 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide (0.1 mg/kg) and (2.4)-dimethoxybenzylidene anabaseine dihydrochloride (1.0 mg/kg) produce anxiolytic-like effects, suggesting drug interactions, probably synergistic. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that anxiolytic-like activity is mediated by α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, supporting the concept that these receptors modulate anxiety processes. The results indicating that the chronic treatment with 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide is more efficient than the acute treatment in eliciting anxiolytic-like activity, and that 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide reverses the anxiogenic effects induced by nicotine, might be of therapeutic importance during smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Budzynska
- 2 Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Michalak
- 2 Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Jozwiak
- 1 Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grazyna Biala
- 2 Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Hugo R Arias
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, CA, USA
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Stojakovic A, Espinosa EP, Farhad OT, Lutfy K. Effects of nicotine on homeostatic and hedonic components of food intake. J Endocrinol 2017; 235:R13-R31. [PMID: 28814527 PMCID: PMC5578410 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic tobacco use leads to nicotine addiction that is characterized by exaggerated urges to use the drug despite the accompanying negative health and socioeconomic burdens. Interestingly, nicotine users are found to be leaner than the general population. Review of the existing literature revealed that nicotine affects energy homeostasis and food consumption via altering the activity of neurons containing orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides in the brain. Hypothalamus is one of the critical brain areas that regulates energy balance via the action of these neuropeptides. The equilibrium between these two groups of peptides can be shifted by nicotine leading to decreased food intake and weight loss. The aim of this article is to review the existing literature on the effect of nicotine on food intake and energy homeostasis and report on the changes that nicotine brings about in the level of these peptides and their receptors that may explain changes in food intake and body weight induced by nicotine. Furthermore, we review the effect of nicotine on the hedonic aspect of food intake. Finally, we discuss the involvement of different subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the regulatory action of nicotine on food intake and energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stojakovic
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
- Mitochondrial Neurobiology and Therapeutics LaboratoryMayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Enma P Espinosa
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
- Faculty of MedicineSchool of Clinica Biochemistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Osman T Farhad
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Kabirullah Lutfy
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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Mulcahy MJ, Lester HA. Granulocytes as models for human protein marker identification following nicotine exposure. J Neurochem 2017; 142 Suppl 2:151-161. [PMID: 28791704 PMCID: PMC6057152 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric cation channels expressed in the mammalian CNS, in the peripheral nervous system, and in skeletal muscle. Neuronal-type nAChRs are also found in several non-neuronal cell types, including leukocytes. Granulocytes are a subtype of leukocytes that include basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Granulocytes, also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, are characterized by their ability to produce, store, and release compounds from intracellular granules. Granulocytes are the most abundant type of leukocyte circulating in the peripheral blood. Granulocyte abundance, nAChR expression, and nAChR upregulation following chronic nicotine administration makes granulocytes interesting models for identifying protein markers of nicotine exposure. Nicotinic receptor subunits and several non-nAChR proteins have been identified as protein markers of granulocyte nicotine exposure. We review methods to isolate granulocytes from human tissue, summarize present data about the expression of nAChRs in the three granulocyte cell types (basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils), describe current knowledge of the effects of nicotine exposure on human granulocyte protein expression, and highlight areas of interest for future investigation. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Mulcahy
- Department of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Henry A Lester
- Department of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
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DeDominicis KE, Sahibzada N, Olson TT, Xiao Y, Wolfe BB, Kellar KJ, Yasuda RP. The ( α4) 3( β2) 2 Stoichiometry of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Predominates in the Rat Motor Cortex. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 92:327-337. [PMID: 28698187 DOI: 10.1124/mol.116.106880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is important in central nervous system physiology and in mediating several of the pharmacological effects of nicotine on cognition, attention, and affective states. It is also the likely receptor that mediates nicotine addiction. This receptor assembles in two distinct stoichiometries: (α4)2(β2)3 and (α4)3(β2)2, which are referred to as high-sensitivity (HS) and low-sensitivity (LS) nAChRs, respectively, based on a difference in the potency of acetylcholine to activate them. The physiologic and pharmacological differences between these two receptor subtypes have been described in heterologous expression systems. However, the presence of each stoichiometry in native tissue currently remains unknown. In this study, different ratios of rat α4 and β2 subunit cDNA were transfected into human embryonic kidney 293 cells to create a novel model system of HS and LS α4β2 nAChRs expressed in a mammalian cell line. The HS and LS nAChRs were characterized through pharmacological and biochemical methods. Isolation of surface proteins revealed higher amounts of α4 or β2 subunits in the LS or HS nAChR populations, respectively. In addition, sazetidine-A displayed different efficacies in activating these two receptor stoichiometries. Using this model system, a neurophysiological "two-concentration" acetylcholine or carbachol paradigm was developed and validated to determine α4/β2 subunit stoichiometry. This paradigm was then used in layers I-IV of slices of the rat motor cortex to determine the percent contribution of HS and LS α4β2 receptors in this brain region. We report that the majority of α4β2 nAChRs in this brain region possess a stoichiometry of the (α4)3(β2)2 LS subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E DeDominicis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Niaz Sahibzada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Thao T Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Yingxian Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Barry B Wolfe
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Kenneth J Kellar
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Robert P Yasuda
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
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Dezfuli G, Kellar KJ, Dretchen KL, Tizabi Y, Sahibzada N, Gillis RA. Evidence for the role of β2* nAChR desensitization in regulating body weight in obese mice. Neuropharmacology 2016; 110:165-174. [PMID: 27444741 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine's effect on food intake and body weight has been well documented; however, the relevant receptors underlying these effects have not been firmly established. The purpose of the present study was to: (1) identify the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype involved in food intake and body weight; (2) establish whether food intake and body weight reduction produced by nicotinic drugs are due to activation or desensitization of nAChRs; and, (3) assess the role of the melanocortin system in nicotinic drug effects on food intake and body weight. To identify the nAChR, we tested the effect of sazetidine-A (SAZ-A), a relatively selective ligand of β2-containing nAChRs, on food intake and body weight in obese mice. SAZ-A (3 mg/kg; SC) administered twice-daily significantly decreased food intake and body weight. To assess whether these effects involved desensitization, SAZ-A was administered to non-obese mice via osmotic pump, which, due to its slow sustained drug delivery method, causes prolonged desensitization. SAZ-A via osmotic pump delivery significantly decreased the gain in body weight and reduced food intake. In contrast, body weight was unaffected by SAZ-A in β2(-/-) mice or in mice lacking the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R). These results indicate that β2 containing nAChRs are essential to SAZ-A's inhibitory effect on body weight and food intake and engage the melanocortin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaul Dezfuli
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Kenneth J Kellar
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Kenneth L Dretchen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Niaz Sahibzada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA.
| | - Richard A Gillis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA.
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10
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Lange-Asschenfeldt C, Schäble S, Suvorava T, Fahimi EG, Bisha M, Stermann T, Henning U, Kojda G. Effects of varenicline on alpha4-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression and cognitive performance in mice. Neuropharmacology 2016; 107:100-110. [PMID: 27012889 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes containing the α4 subunit, particularly α4β2 nAChRs, play an important role in cognitive functioning. The impact of the smoking cessation aid varenicline, a selective partial α4β2 nAChR agonist, on (1) changes of central protein and mRNA expression of this receptor and (2) on memory deficits in a mouse model of cognitive impairment was investigated. Protein and mRNA expression of both the α4 and β2 receptor subunits in mouse brain endothelial and hippocampal cells as well as hippocampus and neocortex tissues were determined by western blot and realtime PCR, respectively. The β2 antibody showed low specificity, though. Tissues were examined following a 2-week oral treatment with various doses of varenicline (0.01, 0.1, 1, 3 mg/kg/day) or vehicle. In addition, episodic memory of mice was assessed following this treatment with an object recognition task using (1) normal mice and (2) animals with anticholinergic-induced memory impairment (i.p. injection of 0.5 mg/kg scopolamine). Varenicline dose-dependently increased protein expression of both the α4 and β2 subunit in cell cultures and brain tissues, respectively, but had no effect on mRNA expression of both subunits. Scopolamine injection induced a significant reduction of object memory in vehicle-treated mice. By contrast, cognitive performance was not altered by scopolamine in varenicline-treated mice. In conclusion, a 2-week oral treatment with varenicline prevented memory impairment in the scopolamine mouse model. In parallel, protein, but not mRNA expression was upregulated, suggesting a posttranscriptional mechanism. Our findings suggest a beneficial effect of varenicline on cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Schäble
- Comparative Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tatsiana Suvorava
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ehsan Gholamreza Fahimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marion Bisha
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Torben Stermann
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Uwe Henning
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Georg Kojda
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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11
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Ponzoni L, Moretti M, Sala M, Fasoli F, Mucchietto V, Lucini V, Cannazza G, Gallesi G, Castellana CN, Clementi F, Zoli M, Gotti C, Braida D. Different physiological and behavioural effects of e-cigarette vapour and cigarette smoke in mice. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:1775-86. [PMID: 26141510 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in tobacco smoke and electronic cigarette (e-cig) vapour. Methodological limitations have made it difficult to compare the role of the nicotine and non-nicotine constituents of tobacco smoke. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of traditional cigarette smoke and e-cig vapour containing the same amount of nicotine in male BALB/c mice exposed to the smoke of 21 cigarettes or e-cig vapour containing 16.8 mg of nicotine delivered by means of a mechanical ventilator for three 30-min sessions/day for seven weeks. One hour after the last session, half of the animals were sacrificed for neurochemical analysis, and the others underwent mecamylamine-precipitated or spontaneous withdrawal for the purposes of behavioural analysis. Chronic intermittent non-contingent, second-hand exposure to cigarette smoke or e-cig vapour led to similar brain cotinine and nicotine levels, similar urine cotinine levels and the similar up-regulation of α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in different brain areas, but had different effects on body weight, food intake, and the signs of mecamylamine-precipitated and spontaneous withdrawal episodic memory and emotional responses. The findings of this study demonstrate for the first time that e-cig vapour induces addiction-related neurochemical, physiological and behavioural alterations. The fact that inhaled cigarette smoke and e-cig vapour have partially different dependence-related effects indicates that compounds other than nicotine contribute to tobacco dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ponzoni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M Moretti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, Milan, Italy
| | - M Sala
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, Milan, Italy
| | - F Fasoli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, Milan, Italy
| | - V Mucchietto
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, Milan, Italy
| | - V Lucini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Cannazza
- Dipartimenti di Scienze della Vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - G Gallesi
- Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - C N Castellana
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Laboratorio e Anatomia Patologica, A.O.U. Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - F Clementi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, Milan, Italy
| | - M Zoli
- Medicina Diagnostica, Clinica e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - C Gotti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, Milan, Italy.
| | - D Braida
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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12
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Forcelli PA, Turner JR, Lee BG, Olson TT, Xie T, Xiao Y, Blendy JA, Kellar KJ. Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of the methadone metabolite 2-ethyl-5-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1-pyrroline (EMDP). Neuropharmacology 2015; 101:46-56. [PMID: 26365569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The enhancement of GABAergic and monoaminergic neurotransmission has been the mainstay of pharmacotherapy and the focus of drug-discovery for anxiety and depressive disorders for several decades. However, the significant limitations of drugs used for these disorders underscores the need for novel therapeutic targets. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may represent one such target. For example, mecamylamine, a non-competitive antagonist of nAChRs, displays positive effects in preclinical tests for anxiolytic and antidepressant activity in rodents. In addition, nicotine elicits similar effects in rodent models, possibly by receptor desensitization. Previous studies (Xiao et al., 2001) have identified two metabolites of methadone, EMDP (2-ethyl-5-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1-pyrroline) and EDDP (2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine), which are considered to be inactive at opiate receptors, as relatively potent noncompetitive channel blockers of rat α3β4 nAChRs. Here, we show that these compounds are likewise highly effective blockers of human α3β4 and α4β2 nAChRs. Moreover, we show that they display relatively low affinity for opiate binding sites labeled by [(3)H]-naloxone. We then evaluated these compounds in rats and mice in preclinical behavioral models predictive of potential anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy. We found that EMDP, but not EDDP, displayed robust effects predictive of anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy without significant effects on locomotor activity. Moreover, EMDP at behaviorally active doses, unlike mecamylamine, did not produce eyelid ptosis, suggesting it may produce fewer autonomic side effects than mecamylamine. Thus, the methadone metabolite EMDP may represent a novel therapeutic avenue for the treatment of some affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bridgin G Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Thao T Olson
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Teresa Xie
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Yingxian Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Julie A Blendy
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kenneth J Kellar
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
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Marks MJ, O'Neill HC, Wynalda-Camozzi KM, Ortiz NC, Simmons EE, Short CA, Butt CM, McIntosh JM, Grady SR. Chronic treatment with varenicline changes expression of four nAChR binding sites in mice. Neuropharmacology 2015; 99:142-55. [PMID: 26192545 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic treatment with nicotine is known to increase the α4β2-nAChR sites in brain, to decrease α6β2-nAChR sites and to have minimal effect on α3β4-and α7-nAChR populations. Varenicline is now used as a smoking cessation treatment, with and without continued smoking or nicotine replacement therapy. Varenicline, like nicotine, upregulates the α4β2-nAChR sites; however, it is not known whether varenicline treatment changes expression of the other nAChR subtypes. METHODS Using a mouse model, chronic treatments (10 days) with varenicline (0.12 mg/kg/h) and/or nicotine (1 mg/kg/hr), alone or in combination, were compared for plasma and brain levels of drugs, tolerance to subsequent acute nicotine and expression of four subtypes of nAChR using autoradiography. RESULTS The upregulation of α4β2-nAChR sites elicited by chronic varenicline was very similar to that elicited by chronic nicotine. Treatment with both drugs somewhat increased up-regulation, indicating that these doses were not quite at maximum effect. Similar down-regulation was seen for α6β2-nAChR sites. Varenicline significantly increased both α3β4-and α7-nAChR sites while nicotine had less effect on these sites. The drug combination was similar to varenicline alone for α3β4-nAChR sites, while for α7 sites the drug combination was less effective than varenicline alone. Varenicline had small but significant effects on tolerance to acute nicotine. CONCLUSIONS Effects of varenicline in vivo may not be limited to the α4β2*-nAChR subtype. In addition, smoking cessation treatment with varenicline may not allow receptor numbers to be restored to baseline and may, in addition, change expression of other receptor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Marks
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Heidi C O'Neill
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | | | - Nick C Ortiz
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Emily E Simmons
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Caitlin A Short
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | | | - J Michael McIntosh
- Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Sharon R Grady
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
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Anderson SM, Brunzell DH. Anxiolytic-like and anxiogenic-like effects of nicotine are regulated via diverse action at β2*nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2864-77. [PMID: 25625469 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nicotine dose-dependently activates or preferentially desensitizes β2 subunit containing nicotinic ACh receptors (β2*nAChRs). Genetic and pharmacological manipulations assessed effects of stimulation versus inhibition of β2*nAChRs on nicotine-associated anxiety-like phenotype. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using a range of doses of nicotine in β2*nAChR subunit null mutant mice (β2KO; backcrossed to C57BL/6J) and their wild-type (WT) littermates, administration of the selective β2*nAChR agonist, 5I-A85380, and the selective β2*nAChR antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE), we determined the behavioural effects of stimulation and inhibition of β2*nAChRs in the light-dark and elevated plus maze (EPM) assays. KEY RESULTS Low-dose i.p. nicotine (0.05 mg·kg(-) 1) supported anxiolysis-like behaviour independent of genotype whereas the highest dose (0.5 mg·kg(-1) ) promoted anxiogenic-like phenotype in WT mice, but was blunted in β2KO mice for the measure of latency. Administration of 5I-A85380 had similar dose-dependent effects in C57BL/6J WT mice; 0.001 mg·kg(-1) 5I-A85380 reduced anxiety on an EPM, whereas 0.032 mg·kg(-1) 5I-A85380 promoted anxiogenic-like behaviour in both the light-dark and EPM assays. DHβE pretreatment blocked anxiogenic-like effects of 0.5 mg·kg(-1) nicotine. Similarly to DHβE, pretreatment with low-dose 0.05 mg·kg(-1) nicotine did not accumulate with 0.5 mg·kg(-1) nicotine, but rather blocked anxiogenic-like effects of high-dose nicotine in the light-dark and EPM assays. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These studies provide direct evidence that low-dose nicotine inhibits nAChRs and demonstrate that inhibition or stimulation of β2*nAChRs supports the corresponding anxiolytic-like or anxiogenic-like effects of nicotine. Inhibition of β2*nAChRs may relieve anxiety in smokers and non-smokers alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - D H Brunzell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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Lee BG, Anastasia A, Hempstead BL, Lee FS, Blendy JA. Effects of the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on Anxiety-Like Behavior Following Nicotine Withdrawal in Mice. Nicotine Tob Res 2015; 17:1428-35. [PMID: 25744957 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntv047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nicotine withdrawal is characterized by both affective and cognitive symptoms. Identifying genetic polymorphisms that could affect the symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal are important in predicting withdrawal sensitivity and identifying personalized cessation therapies. In the current study we used a mouse model of a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in the translated region of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene that substitutes a valine (Val) for a methionine (Met) amino acid (Val66Met) to examine the relationship between the Val66Met single nucleotide polymorphism and nicotine dependence. METHODS This study measured proBDNF and the BDNF prodomain levels following nicotine and nicotine withdrawal and examined a mouse model of a common polymorphism in this protein (BDNF(Met/Met)) in three behavioral paradigms: novelty-induced hypophagia, marble burying, and the open-field test. RESULTS Using the BDNF knock-in mouse containing the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism we found: (1) blunted anxiety-like behavior in BDNF(Met/Met) mice following withdrawal in three behavioral paradigms: novelty-induced hypophagia, marble burying, and the open-field test; (2) the anxiolytic effects of chronic nicotine are absent in BDNF(Met/Met) mice; and (3) an increase in BDNF prodomain in BDNF(Met/Met) mice following nicotine withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to examine the effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on the affective symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine in mice. In these mice, a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the translated region of the BDNF gene can result in a blunted withdrawal, as measured by decreased anxiety-like behavior. The significant increase in the BDNF prodomain in BDNF(Met/Met) mice following nicotine cessation suggests a possible role of this ligand in the circuitry remodeling after withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgin G Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Agustin Anastasia
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY
| | - Barbara L Hempstead
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY
| | - Francis S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY
| | - Julie A Blendy
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA;
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Brunzell DH, Stafford AM, Dixon CI. Nicotinic receptor contributions to smoking: insights from human studies and animal models. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2015; 2:33-46. [PMID: 26301171 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-015-0042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly evident that a variety of factors contribute to smoking behavior. Nicotine is a constituent of tobacco smoke that exerts its psychoactive effects via binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in brain. Human genetic studies have identified polymorphisms in nAChR genes, which predict vulnerability to risk for tobacco dependence. In vitro studies and animal models have identified the functional relevance of specific polymorphisms. Together with animal behavioral models, which parse behaviors believed to contribute to tobacco use in humans, these studies demonstrate that nicotine action at a diversity of nAChRs is important for expression of independent behavioral phenotypes, which support smoking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darlene H Brunzell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Alexandra M Stafford
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Claire I Dixon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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17
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Abstract
Nicotine dependence is a chronic, relapsing disorder with complex biological mechanisms underlying the motivational basis for this behavior. Although more than 70 % of current smokers express a desire to quit, most relapse within one year, underscoring the need for novel treatments. A key focus of translational research models addressing nicotine dependence has been on cross-validation of human and animal models in order to improve the predictive value of medication screening paradigms. In this chapter, we review several lines of research highlighting the utility of cross-validation models in elucidating the biological underpinnings of nicotine reward and reinforcement, identifying factors which may influence individual response to treatment, and facilitating rapid translation of findings to practice.
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Yu LF, Zhang HK, Caldarone BJ, Eaton JB, Lukas RJ, Kozikowski AP. Recent developments in novel antidepressants targeting α4β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. J Med Chem 2014; 57:8204-23. [PMID: 24901260 PMCID: PMC4207546 DOI: 10.1021/jm401937a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
(nAChRs) have been investigated
for developing drugs that can potentially treat various central nervous
system disorders. Considerable evidence supports the hypothesis that
modulation of the cholinergic system through activation and/or desensitization/inactivation
of nAChR holds promise for the development of new antidepressants.
The introductory portion of this Miniperspective discusses the basic
pharmacology that underpins the involvement of α4β2-nAChRs
in depression, along with the structural features that are essential
to ligand recognition by the α4β2-nAChRs. The remainder
of this Miniperspective analyzes reported nicotinic ligands in terms
of drug design considerations and their potency and selectivity, with
a particular focus on compounds exhibiting antidepressant-like effects
in preclinical or clinical studies. This Miniperspective aims to provide
an in-depth analysis of the potential for using nicotinic ligands
in the treatment of depression, which may hold some promise in addressing
an unmet clinical need by providing relief from depressive symptoms
in refractory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Fang Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
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