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Bilel S, Zamberletti E, Caffino L, Tirri M, Mottarlini F, Arfè R, Barbieri M, Beggiato S, Boccuto F, Bernardi T, Casati S, Brini AT, Parolaro D, Rubino T, Ferraro L, Fumagalli F, Marti M. Cognitive dysfunction and impaired neuroplasticity following repeated exposure to the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 in male mice. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2777-2801. [PMID: 37311647 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Psychotic disorders have been reported in long-term users of synthetic cannabinoids. This study aims at investigating the long-lasting effects of repeated JWH-018 exposure. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male CD-1 mice were injected with vehicle, JWH-018 (6 mg·kg-1 ), the CB1 -antagonist NESS-0327 (1 mg·kg-1 ) or co-administration of NESS-0327 and JWH-018, every day for 7 days. After 15 or 16 days washout, we investigated the effects of JWH-018 on motor function, memory, social dominance and prepulse inhibition (PPI). We also evaluated glutamate levels in dialysates from dorsal striatum, striatal dopamine content and striatal/hippocampal neuroplasticity focusing on the NMDA receptor complex and the neurotrophin BDNF. These measurements were accompanied by in vitro electrophysiological evaluations in hippocampal preparations. Finally, we investigated the density of CB1 receptors and levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and their main synthetic and degrading enzymes in the striatum and hippocampus. KEY RESULTS The repeated treatment with JWH-018 induced psychomotor agitation while reducing social dominance, recognition memory and PPI in mice. JWH-018 disrupted hippocampal LTP and decreased BDNF expression, reduced the synaptic levels of NMDA receptor subunits and decreased the expression of PSD95. Repeated exposure to JWH-018, reduced hippocampal CB1 receptor density and induced a long-term alteration in AEA and 2-AG levels and their degrading enzymes, FAAH and MAGL, in the striatum. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that repeated administration of a high dose of JWH-018 leads to the manifestation of psychotic-like symptoms accompanied by alterations in neuroplasticity and change in the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV) and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mario Barbieri
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Boccuto
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Casati
- Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna T Brini
- Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV) and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
- Zardi-Gori Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV) and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for the Technology of Advanced Therapies (LTTA Centre), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy
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Sáez-Briones P, Palma B, Burgos H, Barra R, Hernández A. Aromatic Bromination Abolishes Deficits in Visuospatial Learning Induced by MDMA ("Ecstasy") in Rats While Preserving the Ability to Increase LTP in the Prefrontal Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043724. [PMID: 36835133 PMCID: PMC9963799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It has recently been demonstrated that aromatic bromination at C(2) abolishes all typical psychomotor, and some key prosocial effects of the entactogen MDMA in rats. Nevertheless, the influence of aromatic bromination on MDMA-like effects on higher cognitive functions remains unexplored. In the present work, the effects of MDMA and its brominated analog 2Br-4,5-MDMA (1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg i.p. each) on visuospatial learning, using a radial, octagonal Olton maze (4 × 4) which may discriminate between short-term and long-term memory, were compared with their influence on in vivo long-term potentiation (LTP) in the prefrontal cortex in rats. The results obtained indicate that MDMA diminishes both short- and long-term visuospatial memory but increases LTP. In contrast, 2Br-4,5-MDMA preserves long-term visuospatial memory and slightly accelerates the occurrence of short-term memory compared to controls, but increases LTP, like MDMA. Taken together, these data are consistent with the notion that the modulatory effects induced by the aromatic bromination of the MDMA template, which abolishes typical entactogenic-like responses, might be extended to those effects affecting higher cognitive functions, such as visuospatial learning. This effect seems not to be associated with the increase of LTP in the prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Sáez-Briones
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología y Comportamiento, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
- Correspondence:
| | - Boris Palma
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 7500912, Chile
| | - Héctor Burgos
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 7570008, Chile
| | - Rafael Barra
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Alejandro Hernández
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
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Costa A, Rani B, Bastiaanssen TFS, Bonfiglio F, Gunnigle E, Provensi G, Rossitto M, Boehme M, Strain C, Martínez CS, Blandina P, Cryan JF, Layé S, Corradetti R, Passani MB. Diet Prevents Social Stress-Induced Maladaptive Neurobehavioural and Gut Microbiota Changes in a Histamine-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:862. [PMID: 35055048 PMCID: PMC8775792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to repeated social stress may cause maladaptive emotional reactions that can be reduced by healthy nutritional supplementation. Histaminergic neurotransmission has a central role in orchestrating specific behavioural responses depending on the homeostatic state of a subject, but it remains to be established if it participates in the protective effects against the insults of chronic stress afforded by a healthy diet. By using C57BL/6J male mice that do not synthesize histamine (Hdc-/-) and their wild type (Hdc+/+) congeners we evaluated if the histaminergic system participates in the protective action of a diet enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A on the deleterious effect of chronic stress. Behavioural tests across domains relevant to cognition and anxiety were performed. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity, cytokine expression, hippocampal fatty acids, oxylipins and microbiota composition were also assessed. Chronic stress induced social avoidance, poor recognition memory, affected hippocampal long-term potentiation, changed the microbiota profile, brain cytokines, fatty acid and oxylipins composition of both Hdc-/- and Hdc+/+ mice. Dietary enrichment counteracted stress-induced deficits only in Hdc+/+ mice as histamine deficiency prevented almost all the diet-related beneficial effects. Interpretation: Our results reveal a previously unexplored and novel role for brain histamine as a mediator of many favorable effects of the enriched diet. These data present long-reaching perspectives in the field of nutritional neuropsychopharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Universitá di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (A.C.); (B.R.)
| | - Barbara Rani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Universitá di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (A.C.); (B.R.)
| | - Thomaz F. S. Bastiaanssen
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (T.F.S.B.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (C.S.); (C.S.M.); (J.F.C.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Francesco Bonfiglio
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino (NEUROFARBA), Universitá di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (F.B.); (G.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Eoin Gunnigle
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (T.F.S.B.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (C.S.); (C.S.M.); (J.F.C.)
| | - Gustavo Provensi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino (NEUROFARBA), Universitá di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (F.B.); (G.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Moira Rossitto
- Laboratoire NutriNeuro, UMR INRAE, Bordeaux INP, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (M.R.); (S.L.)
| | - Marcus Boehme
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (T.F.S.B.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (C.S.); (C.S.M.); (J.F.C.)
| | - Conall Strain
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (T.F.S.B.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (C.S.); (C.S.M.); (J.F.C.)
| | - Clara S. Martínez
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (T.F.S.B.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (C.S.); (C.S.M.); (J.F.C.)
| | - Patrizio Blandina
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino (NEUROFARBA), Universitá di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (F.B.); (G.P.); (P.B.)
| | - John F. Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (T.F.S.B.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (C.S.); (C.S.M.); (J.F.C.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Sophie Layé
- Laboratoire NutriNeuro, UMR INRAE, Bordeaux INP, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (M.R.); (S.L.)
| | - Renato Corradetti
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino (NEUROFARBA), Universitá di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (F.B.); (G.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Maria Beatrice Passani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Universitá di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (A.C.); (B.R.)
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Barbieri M, Tirri M, Bilel S, Arfè R, Corli G, Marchetti B, Caruso L, Soukupova M, Cristofori V, Serpelloni G, Marti M. Synthetic cannabinoid JWH-073 alters both acute behavior and in vivo/vitro electrophysiological responses in mice. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:953909. [PMID: 36339851 PMCID: PMC9634257 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.953909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
JWH-073 is a synthetic cannabinoid (SCB) that is illegally marketed within an "herbal blend", causing psychoactive effects more intense than those produced by Cannabis. Users report that JWH-073 causes less harmful effects than other SCBs, misrepresenting it as a "safe JWH-018 alternative", which in turn prompts its recreational use. The present study is aimed to investigate the in vivo pharmacological activity on physiological and neurobehavioral parameters in male CD-1 mice after acute 1 mg/kg JWH-073 administration. To this aim we investigate its effect on sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and tactile), motor (spontaneous motor activity and catalepsy), and memory functions (novel object recognition; NOR) in mice coupling behavioral and EEG data. Moreover, to clarify how memory function is affected by JWH-073, we performed in vitro electrophysiological studies in hippocampal preparations using a Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) stimulation paradigm. We demonstrated that acute administration of JWH-073 transiently decreased motor activity for up to 25 min and visual sensorimotor responses for up to 105 min, with the highest effects at 25 min (~48 and ~38%, respectively), while the memory function was altered up to 24 h (~33%) in treated-mice as compared to the vehicle. EEG in the somatosensory cortex showed a maximal decrease of α (~23%) and γ (~26%) bands at 15 min, β (~26%) band at 25 min, a maximal increase of θ (~14%) band at 25 min and δ (~35%) band at 2 h, and a significant decrease of θ (~18%), α (~26%), and β (~10%) bands during 24 h. On the other hand, EEG in the hippocampus showed a significant decrease of all bands from 10 min to 2 h, with the maximal effect at 30 min for θ (~34%) and γ (~26%) bands and 2 h for α (~36%), β (~29%), and δ (~15%) bands. Notably, the δ band significant increase both at 5 min (~12%) and 24 h (~19%). Moreover, in vitro results support cognitive function impairment (~60% of decrease) by interfering with hippocampal synaptic transmission and LTP generation. Our results suggest that JWH-073 deeply alters brain electrical responsiveness with minor behavioral symptoms. Thus, it poses a subtle threat to consumers who mistakenly consider it safer than other SCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Barbieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Beatrice Marchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environment and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Virginia Cristofori
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Neuroscience Clinical Center and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Unit, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department for Anti-Drug Policies, Collaborative Center of the National Early Warning System, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy
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5
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Waider J, Popp S, Mlinar B, Montalbano A, Bonfiglio F, Aboagye B, Thuy E, Kern R, Thiel C, Araragi N, Svirin E, Schmitt-Böhrer AG, Corradetti R, Lowry CA, Lesch KP. Serotonin Deficiency Increases Context-Dependent Fear Learning Through Modulation of Hippocampal Activity. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:245. [PMID: 31068767 PMCID: PMC6491456 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system dysfunction is implicated in exaggerated fear responses triggering various anxiety-, stress-, and trauma-related disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we investigated the impact of constitutively inactivated 5-HT synthesis on context-dependent fear learning and extinction using tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) knockout mice. Fear conditioning and context-dependent fear memory extinction paradigms were combined with c-Fos imaging and electrophysiological recordings in the dorsal hippocampus (dHip). Tph2 mutant mice, completely devoid of 5-HT synthesis in brain, displayed accelerated fear memory formation and increased locomotor responses to foot shock. Furthermore, recall of context-dependent fear memory was increased. The behavioral responses were associated with increased c-Fos expression in the dHip and resistance to foot shock-induced impairment of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). In conclusion, increased context-dependent fear memory resulting from brain 5-HT deficiency involves dysfunction of the hippocampal circuitry controlling contextual representation of fear-related behavioral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Waider
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandy Popp
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Boris Mlinar
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Montalbano
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonfiglio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benjamin Aboagye
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Thuy
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Raphael Kern
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Thiel
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Naozumi Araragi
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Evgeniy Svirin
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Angelika G Schmitt-Böhrer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Renato Corradetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Christopher A Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Translational Psychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Petschner P, Balogh N, Adori C, Tamasi V, Kumar S, Juhasz G, Bagdy G. Downregulation of the Vitamin D Receptor Regulated Gene Set in the Hippocampus After MDMA Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1373. [PMID: 30559663 PMCID: PMC6287013 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The active ingredient of ecstasy, ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), in addition to its initial reinforcing effects, induces selective and non-selective brain damage. Evidences suggest that the hippocampus (HC), a central region for cognition, may be especially vulnerable to impairments on the long-run, nevertheless, transcription factors that may precede and regulate such chronic changes remained uninvestigated in this region. In the current study, we used gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to reveal possible transcription factor candidates responsible for enhanced vulnerability of HC after MDMA administration. Dark Agouti rats were intraperitoneally injected with saline or 15 mg/kg MDMA. Three weeks later HC gene expression was measured by Illumina whole-genome beadarrays and GSEA was performed with MSigDB transcription factor sets. The number of significantly altered genes on the genome level (significance < 0.001) in up/downregulated sets was also counted. MDMA upregulated one, and downregulated 13 gene sets in the HC of rats, compared to controls, including Pax4, Pitx2, FoxJ2, FoxO1, Oct1, Sp3, AP3, FoxO4, and vitamin D receptor (VDR)-regulated sets (q-value <0.05). VDR-regulated set contained the second highest number of significantly altered genes, including among others, Camk2n2, Gria3, and Grin2a. Most identified transcription factors are implicated in the response to ischemia confirming that serious hypoxia/ischemia occurs in the HC after MDMA administration, which may contribute to the selective vulnerability of this brain region. Moreover, our results also raise the possibility that vitamin D supplementation, in addition to the commonly used antioxidants, could be a potential alternative method to attenuate MDMA-induced chronic hippocampal impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Petschner
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noemi Balogh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Adori
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viola Tamasi
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sahel Kumar
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Juhasz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,SE-NAP 2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,NAP-2-SE New Antidepressant Target Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Bagdy
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,NAP-2-SE New Antidepressant Target Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Sajadi A, Amiri I, Gharebaghi A, Komaki A, Asadbegi M, Shahidi S, Mehdizadeh M, Soleimani Asl S. Treadmill exercise alters ecstasy- induced long- term potentiation disruption in the hippocampus of male rats. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1603-1607. [PMID: 28612273 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy is a derivative of amphetamine that leads to long term potentiation (LTP) disruption in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Exercise has been accepted as a treatment for the improvement of neurodegenerative disease. Herein, the effects of exercise on the MDMA- induced neurotoxicity were assessed. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injection of MDMA (10 mg/kg) and exercised for one month on a treadmill (Simultaneously or asynchronously with MDMA). LTP and expression of BDNF were assessed using electrophysiology and western blotting methods, respectively. MDMA attenuated the field excitatory post-synaptic potential (fEPSP) slope in comparison with the control group, whereas treadmill exercise increased this parameter when compared to MDMA group. Furthermore, BDNF expression significantly decreased in MDMA group and treadmill exercise could increase that. In conclusion, results of this study suggest that synchronous exercise is able to improve MDMA-induced LTP changes through increase of BDNF expression in the hippocampus of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Sajadi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Iraj Amiri
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Gharebaghi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Asadbegi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Siamak Shahidi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Soleimani Asl
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Barbieri M, Ossato A, Canazza I, Trapella C, Borelli AC, Beggiato S, Rimondo C, Serpelloni G, Ferraro L, Marti M. Synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 and its halogenated derivatives JWH-018-Cl and JWH-018-Br impair Novel Object Recognition in mice: Behavioral, electrophysiological and neurochemical evidence. Neuropharmacology 2016; 109:254-269. [PMID: 27346209 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that an impairment of learning and memory function is one of the major physiological effects caused by natural or synthetic cannabinoid consumption in rodents, nonhuman primates and in humans. JWH-018 and its halogenated derivatives (JWH-018-Cl and JWH-018-Br) are synthetic CB1/CB2 cannabinoid agonists, illegally marketed as "Spice" and "herbal blend" for their Cannabis-like psychoactive effects. In the present study the effects of acute exposure to JWH-018, JWH-018-Cl, JWH-018-Br (JWH-018-R compounds) and Δ(9)-THC (for comparison) on Novel Object Recognition test (NOR) has been investigated in mice. Moreover, to better characterize the effects of JWH-018-R compounds on memory function, in vitro electrophysiological and neurochemical studies in hippocampal preparations have been performed. JWH-018, JWH-018-Cl and JWH-018-Br dose-dependently impaired both short- and long-memory retention in mice (respectively 2 and 24 h after training session). Their effects resulted more potent respect to that evoked by Δ(9)-THC. Moreover, in vitro studies showed as JWH-018-R compounds negatively affected electrically evoked synaptic transmission, LTP and aminoacid (glutamate and GABA) release in hippocampal slices. Behavioral, electrophysiological and neurochemical effects were fully prevented by CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 pretreatment, suggesting a CB1 receptor involvement. These data support the hypothesis that synthetic JWH-018-R compounds, as Δ(9)-THC, impair cognitive function in mice by interfering with hippocampal synaptic transmission and memory mechanisms. This data outline the danger that the use and/or abuse of these synthetic cannabinoids may represent for the cognitive process in human consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barbieri
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - A Ossato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - I Canazza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - A C Borelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - S Beggiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Rimondo
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Verona, Italy
| | - G Serpelloni
- U.R.I.To.N., Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Marti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy; Center for Neuroscience and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, Italy.
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Korpi ER, den Hollander B, Farooq U, Vashchinkina E, Rajkumar R, Nutt DJ, Hyytiä P, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:872-1004. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Mlinar B, Stocca G, Corradetti R. Endogenous serotonin facilitates hippocampal long-term potentiation at CA3/CA1 synapses. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 122:177-85. [PMID: 24872079 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1246-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Encoding of episodic memory requires long-term potentiation (LTP) of neurotransmission at excitatory synapses of the hippocampal circuitry. Previous data obtained with the application of exogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in hippocampal slices indicate that 5-HT blocks LTP, which contrasts with the facilitatory effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on learning and memory observed in vivo. Here, we investigated the effects of endogenous 5-HT, released from terminals by the monoamine releaser 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), on LTP of field EPSPs induced by theta-burst stimulation and recorded at CA3/CA1 synapses of rat hippocampal slices. LTP was greater in the presence of MDMA (10 µM; 45.76 ± 15.75%; n = 28) than in controls (31.26 ± 11.03; n = 21; p < 0.01). This facilitatory effect on LTP persisted when the entry of MDMA in noradrenergic terminals was prevented by the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor nisoxetine (44.90 ± 14.07%; n = 27 vs. 34.49 ± 12.94%; n = 20 in controls; p < 0.05). In both conditions, the facilitation of LTP was abolished by the SSRI citalopram that prevented the entry of MDMA in 5-HT terminals and the subsequent 5-HT release. These data show that, unlike exogenous 5-HT application, release of endogenous 5-HT does not impair cellular mechanisms responsible for induction of LTP, indicating that 5-HT is not detrimental to learning and memory. Moreover, facilitation of LTP by endogenous 5-HT may underlie the in vivo positive effects of augmented 5-HT tone on cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Mlinar
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
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Abad S, Fole A, del Olmo N, Pubill D, Pallàs M, Junyent F, Camarasa J, Camins A, Escubedo E. MDMA enhances hippocampal-dependent learning and memory under restrictive conditions, and modifies hippocampal spine density. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:863-74. [PMID: 24158501 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Addictive drugs produce forms of structural plasticity in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of chronic MDMA exposure on pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of hippocampus and drug-related spatial learning and memory changes. METHODS AND RESULTS Adolescent rats were exposed to saline or MDMA in a regime that mimicked chronic administration. One week later, when acquisition or reference memory was evaluated in a standard Morris water maze (MWM), no differences were obtained between groups. However, MDMA-exposed animals performed better when the MWM was implemented under more difficult conditions. Animals of MDMA group were less anxious and were more prepared to take risks, as in the open field test they ventured more frequently into the central area. We have demonstrated that MDMA caused an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. When spine density was evaluated, MDMA-treated rats presented a reduced density when compared with saline, but overall, training increased the total number of spines, concluding that in MDMA-group, training prevented a reduction in spine density or induced its recovery. CONCLUSIONS This study provides support for the conclusion that binge administration of MDMA, known to be associated to neurotoxic damage of hippocampal serotonergic terminals, increases BDNF expression and stimulates synaptic plasticity when associated with training. In these conditions, adolescent rats perform better in a more difficult water maze task under restricted conditions of learning and memory. The effect on this task could be modulated by other behavioural changes provoked by MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sònia Abad
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section) and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII s/n, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
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Rietjens SJ, Hondebrink L, Westerink RHS, Meulenbelt J. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): interindividual differences due to polymorphisms and drug-drug interactions. Crit Rev Toxicol 2012; 42:854-76. [PMID: 23030234 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2012.725029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Clinical outcome following 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) intake ranges from mild entactogenic effects to a life-threatening intoxication. Despite ongoing research, the clinically most relevant mechanisms causing acute MDMA-induced adverse effects remain largely unclear. This complicates the triage and treatment of MDMA users needing medical care. The user's genetic profile and interactions resulting from polydrug use are key factors that modulate the individual response to MDMA and influence MDMA pharmacokinetics and dynamics, and thus clinical outcome. Polymorphisms in CYP2D6, resulting in poor metabolism status, as well as co-exposure of MDMA with specific substances (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)) can increase MDMA plasma levels, but can also decrease the formation of toxic metabolites and subsequent cellular damage. While pre-exposure to e.g. SSRIs can increase MDMA plasma levels, clinical effects (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature) can be reduced, possibly due to a pharmacodynamic interaction at the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). Pretreatment with inhibitors of the dopamine or norepinephrine reuptake transporter (DAT or NET), 5-HT(2A) or α-β adrenergic receptor antagonists or antipsychotics prior to MDMA exposure can also decrease one or more MDMA-induced physiological and/or subjective effects. Carvedilol, ketanserin and haloperidol can reduce multiple MDMA-induced clinical and neurotoxic effects. Thus besides supportive care, i.e. sedation using benzodiazepines, intravenous hydration, aggressive cooling and correction of electrolytes, it is worthwhile to investigate the usefulness of carvedilol, ketanserin and haloperidol in the treatment of MDMA-intoxicated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia J Rietjens
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, National Poisons Information Center (NVIC), P.O. box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Rozas C, Loyola S, Ugarte G, Zeise ML, Reyes-Parada M, Pancetti F, Rojas P, Morales B. Acutely applied MDMA enhances long-term potentiation in rat hippocampus involving D1/D5 and 5-HT2 receptors through a polysynaptic mechanism. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 22:584-95. [PMID: 22209363 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a drug of abuse that induces learning and memory deficit. However, there are no experimental data that correlate the behavioral evidence with models of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) or long-term depression (LTD). Using field potential recordings in rat hippocampal slices of young rats, we found that acute application of MDMA enhances LTP in CA3-CA1 synapses without affecting LTD. Using specific antagonists and paired-pulse facilitation protocols we observed that the MDMA-dependent increase of LTP involves presynaptic 5-HT₂ serotonin receptors and postsynaptic D1/D5 dopamine receptors. In addition, the inhibition of PKA suppresses the MDMA-dependent increase in LTP, suggesting that dopamine receptor agonism activates cAMP-dependent intracellular pathways. We propose that MDMA exerts its LTP-altering effect involving a polysynaptic interaction between serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in hippocampal synapses. Our results are compatible with the view that the alterations in hippocampal LTP could be responsible for MDMA-dependent cognitive deficits observed in humans and animals.
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Renoir T, Pang TY, Lanfumey L. Drug withdrawal-induced depression: Serotonergic and plasticity changes in animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2012; 36:696-726. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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