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Pintori N, Mostallino R, Spano E, Orrù V, Piras MG, Castelli MP, De Luca MA. Immune and glial cell alterations in the rat brain after repeated exposure to the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 389:578325. [PMID: 38432046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578325] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) poses major psychiatric risks. We previously showed that repeated exposure to the prototypical SCRA JWH-018 induces alterations in dopamine (DA) transmission, abnormalities in the emotional state, and glial cell activation in the mesocorticolimbic DA circuits of rats. Despite growing evidence suggesting the relationship between substance use disorders (SUD) and neuroinflammation, little is known about the impact of SCRAs on the neuroimmune system. Here, we investigated whether repeated JWH-018 exposure altered neuroimmune signaling, which could be linked with previously reported central effects. Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to JWH-018 (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) for fourteen consecutive days, and the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors was measured seven days after treatment discontinuation in the striatum, cortex, and hippocampus. Moreover, microglial (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, IBA-1) and astrocyte (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) activation markers were evaluated in the caudate-putamen (CPu). Repeated JWH-018 exposure induces a perturbation of neuroimmune signaling specifically in the striatum, as shown by increased levels of cytokines [interleukins (IL) -2, -4, -12p70, -13, interferon (IFN) γ], chemokines [macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) -1α, -3α], and growth factors [macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], together with increased IBA-1 and GFAP expression in the CPu. JWH-018 exposure induces persistant brain region-specific immune alterations up to seven days after drug discontinuation, which may contribute to the behavioral and neurochemical dysregulations in striatal areas that play a role in the reward-related processes that are frequently impaired in SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrica Spano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Piras
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Pintori N, Piva A, Mottarlini F, Díaz FC, Maggi C, Caffino L, Fumagalli F, Chiamulera C. Brief exposure to enriched environment rapidly shapes the glutamate synapses in the rat brain: A metaplastic fingerprint. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:982-995. [PMID: 38378276 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16279] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) has been shown to produce beneficial effects in addiction disorders; however, due to its configurational complexity, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. Recent evidence suggests that EE, acting as a metaplastic agent, may affect glutamatergic mechanisms underlying appetitive memory and, in turn, modulate reward-seeking behaviours: here, we have investigated such a possibility following a brief EE exposure. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to EE for 22 h and the expression of critical elements of the glutamate synapse was measured 2 h after the end of EE in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus (Hipp) brain areas, which are critical for reward and memory. We focused our investigation on the expression of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits, their scaffolding proteins SAP102 and SAP97, vesicular and membrane glutamate transporters vGluT1 and GLT-1, and critical structural components such as proteins involved in morphology and function of glutamatergic synapses, PSD95 and Arc/Arg3.1. Our findings demonstrate that a brief EE exposure induces metaplastic changes in glutamatergic mPFC, NAc and Hipp. Such changes are area-specific and involve postsynaptic NMDA/AMPA receptor subunit composition, as well as changes in the expression of their main scaffolding proteins, thus influencing the retention of such receptors at synaptic sites. Our data indicate that brief EE exposure is sufficient to dynamically modulate the glutamatergic synapses in mPFC-NAc-Hipp circuits, which may modulate rewarding and memory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Current Affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Piva
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fernando Castillo Díaz
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Coralie Maggi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiano Chiamulera
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Pintori N, Caria F, De Luca MA, Miliano C. THC and CBD: Villain versus Hero? Insights into Adolescent Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065251. [PMID: 36982327 PMCID: PMC10048857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used drug of abuse worldwide. It is well established that the most abundant phytocannabinoids in this plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two compounds have remarkably similar chemical structures yet vastly different effects in the brain. By binding to the same receptors, THC is psychoactive, while CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Lately, a variety of hemp-based products, including CBD and THC, have become widely available in the food and health industry, and medical and recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in many states/countries. As a result, people, including youths, are consuming CBD because it is considered “safe”. An extensive literature exists evaluating the harmful effects of THC in both adults and adolescents, but little is known about the long-term effects of CBD exposure, especially in adolescence. The aim of this review is to collect preclinical and clinical evidence about the effects of cannabidiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758633
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Tocco G, Laus A, Vanejevs M, Ture A, Mostallino R, Pintori N, De Luca MA, Castelli MP, Di Chiara G. 3-[3-(Phenalkylamino)cyclohexyl]phenols: Synthesis, biological activity, and in silico investigation of a naltrexone-derived novel class of MOR-antagonists. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2200432. [PMID: 36328777 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel μ-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonists is one of the main objectives of drug discovery and development. Based on a simplified version of the morphinan scaffold, 3-[3-(phenalkylamino)cyclohexyl]phenol analogs were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their MOR antagonist activity in vitro and in silico. At the highest concentrations, the compounds decreased by 52% to 75% DAMGO-induced GTPγS stimulation, suggesting that they acted as antagonists. Moreover, Extra-Precision Glide and Generalized-Born Surface Area experiments provided useful information on the nature of the ligand-receptor interactions, indicating a peculiar combination of C-1 stereochemistry and N-substitutions as feasibly essential for MOR-ligand complex stability. Interestingly, compound 9 showed the best experimental binding affinity, the highest antagonist activity, and the finest MOR-ligand complex stability. In silico experiments also revealed that the most promising stereoisomer (1R, 3R, 5S) 9 retained 1,3-cis configuration with phenol ring equatorial oriented. Further studies are needed to better characterize the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Tocco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Laus
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maksims Vanejevs
- Laboratory of CNS Active Compounds, Latvian Institute of Organic Chemistry, Riga, Latvia
| | - Anastasija Ture
- Laboratory of CNS Active Compounds, Latvian Institute of Organic Chemistry, Riga, Latvia
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gaetano Di Chiara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
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Margiani G, Castelli MP, Pintori N, Frau R, Ennas MG, Pagano Zottola AC, Orrù V, Serra V, Fiorillo E, Fadda P, Marsicano G, De Luca MA. Adolescent self-administration of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist JWH-018 induces neurobiological and behavioral alterations in adult male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3083-3102. [PMID: 35943523 PMCID: PMC9481487 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06191-9] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) is growing among adolescents, posing major medical and psychiatric risks. JWH-018 represents the reference compound of SCRA-containing products. OBJECTIVES This study was performed to evaluate the enduring consequences of adolescent voluntary consumption of JWH-018. METHODS The reinforcing properties of JWH-018 were characterized in male CD1 adolescent mice by intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Afterwards, behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular evaluations were performed at adulthood. RESULTS Adolescent mice acquired operant behavior (lever pressing, Fixed Ratio 1-3; 7.5 µg/kg/inf); this behavior was specifically directed at obtaining JWH-018 since it increased under Progressive Ratio schedule of reinforcement, and was absent in vehicle mice. JWH-018 IVSA was reduced by pretreatment of the CB1-antagonist/inverse agonist AM251. Adolescent exposure to JWH-018 by IVSA increased, at adulthood, both nestlet shredding and marble burying phenotypes, suggesting long-lasting repetitive/compulsive-like behavioral effects. JWH-018 did not affect risk proclivity in the wire-beam bridge task. In adult brains, there was an increase of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1) positive cells in the caudate-putamen (CPu) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), along with a decrease of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity in the CPu. These glial alterations in adult brains were coupled with an increase of the chemokine RANTES and a decrease of the cytokines IL2 and IL13 in the cortex, and an increase of the chemokine MPC1 in the striatum. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests for the first time that male mice self-administer the prototypical SCRA JWH-018 during adolescence. The adolescent voluntary consumption of JWH-018 leads to long-lasting behavioral and neurochemical aberrations along with glia-mediated inflammatory responses in adult brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Margiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,"Guy Everett" Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio C Pagano Zottola
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR 5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Valentina Serra
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Edoardo Fiorillo
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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De Luca MA, Tocco G, Mostallino R, Laus A, Caria F, Musa A, Pintori N, Ucha M, Poza C, Ambrosio E, Di Chiara G, Castelli MP. Pharmacological characterization of novel synthetic opioids: Isotonitazene, metonitazene, and piperidylthiambutene as potent MU opioid receptor agonists. Neuropharmacology 2022; 221:109263. [PMID: 36154843 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109263] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent trends of opioid abuse and related fatalities have highlighted the critical role of Novel Synthetic Opioids (NSOs). We studied the μ-opioid-like properties of isotonitazene (ITZ), metonitazene (MTZ), and piperidylthiambutene (PTB) using different approaches. In vitro studies showed that ITZ and MTZ displayed a higher potency in both rat membrane homogenates (EC50: 0.99 and 19.1 nM, respectively) and CHO-MOR (EC50: 0.71 and 10.0 nM, respectively) than [D-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin (DAMGO), with no difference in maximal efficacy (Emax) between DAMGO and NSOs. ITZ also has higher affinity (Ki: 0.06 and 0.05 nM) at the MOR than DAMGO in both systems, whilst MTZ has higher affinity in CHO-MOR (Ki = 0.23 nM) and similar affinity in rat cerebral cortex (Ki = 0.22 nM). PTB showed lower affinity and potency than DAMGO. In vivo, ITZ displayed higher analgesic potency than fentanyl and morphine (ED50: 0.00156, 0.00578, 2.35 mg/kg iv, respectively); ITZ (0.01 mg/kg iv) and MTZ (0.03 mg/kg iv) reduced behavioral activity and increased dialysate dopamine (DA) in the NAc shell (max. about 200% and 170% over basal value, respectively. Notably, ITZ elicited an increase in DA comparable to that of higher dose of morphine (1 mg/kg iv), but higher than the same dose of fentanyl (0.01 mg/kg iv). In silico, induced fit docking (IFD) and metadynamic simulations (MTD) showed that binding modes and structural changes at the receptor, ligand stability, and the overall energy score of NSOs were consistent with the results of the biological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graziella Tocco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Laus
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aurora Musa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcos Ucha
- Department of Psychobiology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia Poza
- Department of Psychobiology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Ambrosio
- Department of Psychobiology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gaetano Di Chiara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari Section, University of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Pintori N, Piva A, Guardiani V, Decimo I, Chiamulera C. Brief Environmental Enrichment exposure enhances contextual-induced sucrose-seeking with and without memory reactivation in rats. Behav Brain Res 2022; 416:113556. [PMID: 34474039 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Environmental Enrichment (EE) has been shown to prevent the relapse to addictive behaviours, such as drug-taking and -seeking. Recently, acute EE was shown to reduce cue-induced sucrose-seeking, but its effects on contextual (Cx)-induced sucrose-seeking is still unknown. Here we report the effects of brief EE exposure on Cx-induced sucrose-seeking with and without prior Cx-memory reactivation. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to sucrose self-administration associated to a specific conditioning Cx (CxA), followed by a 7-day extinction in a different Cx (CxB). Afterwards, rats were exposed for 22 h to EE, and 1 h later to either i) Cx-induced sucrose-seeking (1 h, renewal without Cx-memory reactivation), ii) or two different Cx-memory reactivations: short (2-min) and long (15-min) CxA-retrieval session (Cx-Ret). In Cx-Ret experiments, CxA-induced sucrose-seeking test (1 h) was done after a subsequent 3-day extinction phase. The assessment of molecular markers of memory reactivation/reconsolidation, Zif-268 and rpS6P, was performed 2 h after Cx-Ret. Brief EE exposure enhanced Cx-induced sucrose-seeking without and with short but not long Cx-retrieval. Moreover, EE impaired discriminative responding at test prior to long, whereas improved it with or without short Cx-retrieval. Different changes in Zif-268 and rpS6P expression induced by short vs. long Cx-Ret were correlated to behavioural data, suggesting the occurrence of different memory processes affected by EE. Our data show that brief EE exposure may differently affect subsequent appetitive relapse depending on the modality of re-exposure to conditioned context. This finding suggests caution and further studies to understand the proper conditions for the use of EE against appetitive and addiction disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pintori
- Section of Pharmacology, Dept. Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - A Piva
- Section of Pharmacology, Dept. Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - V Guardiani
- Section of Pharmacology, Dept. Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - I Decimo
- Section of Pharmacology, Dept. Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - C Chiamulera
- Section of Pharmacology, Dept. Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Pintori N, Piva A, Guardiani V, Marzo CM, Decimo I, Chiamulera C. The interaction between Environmental Enrichment and fluoxetine in inhibiting sucrose-seeking renewal in mice depend on social living condition. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2351-2361. [PMID: 35353203 PMCID: PMC9205808 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06124-6] [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: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Several single or combined therapeutic approaches have been developed to treat addiction, however with partial efficacy in preventing relapse. Recently, the living environment has been suggested as a critical intervening factor determining the treatment outcomes. Despite accumulating evidence confirming a role of living conditions in the vulnerability to addictive behaviours, their impact on single or integrative therapeutic strategies preventing relapse is yet to be identified. OBJECTIVES Here, we explore the possible interaction between brief Environmental Enrichment (EE) exposure and acute fluoxetine administration in inhibiting sucrose-seeking behaviours, and whether this effect could be affected by living environment. METHODS Social and isolated adult male C57BL/6 mice were trained to sucrose self-administration associated to a specific conditioning context (CxA), followed by a 7-day extinction in a different context (CxB). Afterwards, mice were exposed for 22 h to EE and then injected with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 h before a CxA-induced sucrose-seeking test. RESULTS Brief EE exposure and acute fluoxetine administration alone inhibited context-induced sucrose-seeking in both housing conditions; however, they exhibited additive properties only in social condition. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that social environment may influence the EE/fluoxetine interaction in inhibiting relapse to sucrose. These findings suggest that setting up proper living conditions to boost the efficacy of therapeutic approaches may represent a fundamental strategy to treat addiction disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Pintori
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Policlinico ‘GB Rossi’, P.le Scuro 10, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy ,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cittadella Universitaria Di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, S.P.8 km 0, 700-09042 Monserrato, Cagliari Italy
| | - A. Piva
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Policlinico ‘GB Rossi’, P.le Scuro 10, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - V. Guardiani
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Policlinico ‘GB Rossi’, P.le Scuro 10, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - C. M. Marzo
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - I. Decimo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Policlinico ‘GB Rossi’, P.le Scuro 10, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - C. Chiamulera
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Policlinico ‘GB Rossi’, P.le Scuro 10, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
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Piva A, Caffino L, Mottarlini F, Pintori N, Castillo Díaz F, Fumagalli F, Chiamulera C. Metaplastic Effects of Ketamine and MK-801 on Glutamate Receptors Expression in Rat Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:3443-3456. [PMID: 33723767 PMCID: PMC8257545 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02352-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine and MK-801 by blocking NMDA receptors may induce reinforcing effects as well as schizophrenia-like symptoms. Recent results showed that ketamine can also effectively reverse depressive signs in patients' refractory to standard therapies. This evidence clearly points to the need of characterization of effects of these NMDARs antagonists on relevant brain areas for mood disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular changes occurring at glutamatergic synapses 24 h after ketamine or MK-801 treatment in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (Hipp). In particular, we analyzed the levels of the glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1), NMDA receptors, AMPA receptors subunits, and related scaffolding proteins. In the homogenate, we found a general decrease of protein levels, whereas their changes in the post-synaptic density were more complex. In fact, ketamine in the mPFC decreased the level of GLT-1 and increased the level of GluN2B, GluA1, GluA2, and scaffolding proteins, likely indicating a pattern of enhanced excitability. On the other hand, MK-801 only induced sparse changes with apparently no correlation to functional modification. Differently from mPFC, in Hipp, both substances reduced or caused no changes of glutamate receptors and scaffolding proteins expression. Ketamine decreased NMDA receptors while increased AMPA receptors subunit ratios, an effect indicative of permissive metaplastic modulation; conversely, MK-801 only decreased the latter, possibly representing a blockade of further synaptic plasticity. Taken together, these findings indicate a fine tuning of glutamatergic synapses by ketamine compared to MK-801 both in the mPFC and Hipp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Piva
- Neuropsychopharmacology Lab, Section Pharmacology, Department Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, P.le Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Neuropsychopharmacology Lab, Section Pharmacology, Department Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, P.le Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Fernando Castillo Díaz
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristiano Chiamulera
- Neuropsychopharmacology Lab, Section Pharmacology, Department Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, P.le Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
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10
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Pintori N, Castelli MP, Miliano C, Simola N, Fadda P, Fattore L, Scherma M, Ennas MG, Mostallino R, Flore G, De Felice M, Sagheddu C, Pistis M, Di Chiara G, De Luca MA. Repeated exposure to JWH-018 induces adaptive changes in the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways, glial cells alterations, and behavioural correlates. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3476-3497. [PMID: 33837969 PMCID: PMC8457172 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Spice/K2 herbal mixtures, containing synthetic cannabinoids such as JWH‐018, have been marketed as marijuana surrogates since 2004. JWH‐018 has cannabinoid CB1 receptor‐dependent reinforcing properties and acutely increases dopaminergic transmission selectively in the NAc shell. Here, we tested the hypothesis that repeated administration of JWH‐018 (i) modulates behaviour, (ii) affects dopaminergic transmission and its responsiveness to motivational stimuli, and (iii) is associated with a neuroinflammatory phenotype. Experimental Approach Rats were administered with JWH‐018 once a day for 14 consecutive days. We then performed behavioural, electrophysiological, and neurochemical evaluation at multiple time points after drug discontinuation. Key Results Repeated JWH‐018 exposure (i) induced anxious and aversive behaviours, transitory attentional deficits, and withdrawal signs; (ii) decreased spontaneous activity and number of dopamine neurons in the VTA; and (iii) reduced stimulation of dopaminergic transmission in the NAc shell while potentiating that in the NAc core, in response to acute JWH‐018 challenge. Moreover, (iv) we observed a decreased dopamine sensitivity in the NAc shell and core, but not in the mPFC, to a first chocolate exposure; conversely, after a second exposure, dialysate dopamine fully increased in the NAc shell and core but not in the mPFC. Finally, selected dopamine brain areas showed (v) astrogliosis (mPFC, NAc shell and core, VTA), microgliosis (NAc shell and core), and downregulation of CB1 receptors (mPFC, NAc shell and core). Conclusion and Implications Repeated exposure to JWH‐018 may provide a useful model to clarify the detrimental effects of recurring use of Spice/K2 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Flore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta De Felice
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Di Chiara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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11
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Sagheddu C, Pintori N, Kalaba P, Dragačević V, Piras G, Lubec J, Simola N, De Luca MA, Lubec G, Pistis M. Neurophysiological and Neurochemical Effects of the Putative Cognitive Enhancer ( S)-CE-123 on Mesocorticolimbic Dopamine System. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050779. [PMID: 32443397 PMCID: PMC7277835 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatments for cognitive impairments associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or narcolepsy, aim at modulating extracellular dopamine levels in the brain. CE-123 (5-((benzhydrylsulfinyl)methyl) thiazole) is a novel modafinil analog with improved specificity and efficacy for dopamine transporter inhibition that improves cognitive and motivational processes in experimental animals. We studied the neuropharmacological and behavioral effects of the S-enantiomer of CE-123 ((S)-CE-123) and R-modafinil in cognitive- and reward-related brain areas of adult male rats. In vivo single unit recordings in anesthetized animals showed that (S)-CE-123, but not R-modafinil, dose-dependently (1.25 to 10 mg/kg i.v.) reduced firing of pyramidal neurons in the infralimbic/prelimbic (IL/PrL) cortex. Neither compound the affected firing activity of ventral tegmental area dopamine cells. In freely moving animals, (S)-CE-123 (10 mg/kg i.p.) increased extracellular dopamine levels in the IL/PrL, with different patterns when compared to R-modafinil (10 mg/kg i.p.); in the nucleus accumbens shell, a low and transitory increase of dopamine was observed only after (S)-CE-123. Neither (S)-CE-123 nor R-modafinil initiated the emission of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations, a behavioral marker of positive affect and drug-mediated reward. Our data support previous reports of the procognitive effects of (S)-CE-123, and show a minor impact on reward-related dopaminergic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.S.); (N.P.); (G.P.); (N.S.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.S.); (N.P.); (G.P.); (N.S.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Predrag Kalaba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (P.K.); (V.D.)
| | - Vladimir Dragačević
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (P.K.); (V.D.)
| | - Gessica Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.S.); (N.P.); (G.P.); (N.S.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Jana Lubec
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.S.); (N.P.); (G.P.); (N.S.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.S.); (N.P.); (G.P.); (N.S.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Gert Lubec
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (M.P.); Tel.: +43-(0)-6622420-0 (G.L.); +39-070-675-4324 (M.P.)
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.S.); (N.P.); (G.P.); (N.S.); (M.A.D.L.)
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Section of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (M.P.); Tel.: +43-(0)-6622420-0 (G.L.); +39-070-675-4324 (M.P.)
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12
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Piva A, Caffino L, Padovani L, Pintori N, Mottarlini F, Sferrazza G, Paolone G, Fumagalli F, Chiamulera C. The metaplastic effects of ketamine on sucrose renewal and contextual memory reconsolidation in rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 379:112347. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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13
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Miliano C, Marti M, Pintori N, Castelli MP, Tirri M, Arfè R, De Luca MA. Neurochemical and Behavioral Profiling in Male and Female Rats of the Psychedelic Agent 25I-NBOMe. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1406. [PMID: 31915427 PMCID: PMC6921684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe), commonly called “N-Bomb,” is a synthetic phenethylamine with psychedelic and entactogenic effects; it was available on the Internet both as a legal alternative to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and as a surrogate of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), but now it has been scheduled among controlled substances. 25I-NBOMe acts as full agonist on serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Users are often unaware of ingesting fake LSD, and several cases of intoxication and fatalities have been reported. In humans, overdoses of “N-Bomb” can cause tachycardia, hypertension, seizures, and agitation. Preclinical studies have not yet widely investigated the rewarding properties and behavioral effects of this compound in both sexes. Therefore, by in vivo microdialysis, we evaluated the effects of 25I-NBOMe on dopaminergic (DA) and serotonergic (5-HT) transmissions in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core, and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male and female rats. Moreover, we investigated the effect of 25I-NBOMe on sensorimotor modifications as well as body temperature, nociception, and startle/prepulse inhibition (PPI). We showed that administration of 25I-NBOMe affects DA transmission in the NAc shell in both sexes, although showing different patterns; moreover, this compound causes impaired visual responses in both sexes, whereas core temperature is heavily affected in females, and the highest dose tested exerts an analgesic effect prominent in male rats. Indeed, this drug is able to impair the startle amplitude with the same extent in both sexes and inhibits the PPI in male and female rats. Our study fills the gap of knowledge on the behavioral effects of 25I-NBOMe and the risks associated with its ingestion; it focuses the attention on sex differences that might be useful to understand the trend of consumption as well as to recognize and treat intoxication and overdose symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, 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
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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14
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Costa G, Serra M, Pintori N, Casu MA, Zanda MT, Murtas D, De Luca MA, Simola N, Fattore L. The novel psychoactive substance methoxetamine induces persistent behavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity in rats. Neuropharmacology 2019; 144:219-232. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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15
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Beggiato S, Borelli AC, Tomasini MC, Castelli MP, Pintori N, Cacciaglia R, Loche A, Ferraro L. In Vitro Functional Characterization of GET73 as Possible Negative Allosteric Modulator of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:327. [PMID: 29674969 PMCID: PMC5895880 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was aimed to further characterize the pharmacological profile of N-[4-(trifluoromethyl) benzyl]-4-methoxybutyramide (GET73), a putative negative allosteric modulator (NAM) of metabotropic glutamate subtype 5 receptor (mGluR5) under development as a novel medication for the treatment of alcohol dependence. This aim has been accomplished by means of a series of in vitro functional assays. These assays include the measure of several down-stream signaling [intracellular Ca++ levels, inositol phosphate (IP) formation and CREB phosphorylation (pCREB)] which are generally affected by mGluR5 ligands. In particular, GET73 (0.1 nM-10 μM) was explored for its ability to displace the concentration-response curve of some mGluR5 agonists/probes (glutamate, L-quisqualate, CHPG) in different native preparations. GET73 produced a rightward shift of concentration-response curves of glutamate- and CHPG-induced intracellular Ca++ levels in primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes. The compound also induced a rightward shift of concentration response curve of glutamate- and L-quisqualate-induced increase in IP turnover in rat hippocampus slices, along with a reduction of CHPG (10 mM)-induced increase in IP formation. Moreover, GET73 produced a rightward shift of concentration-response curve of glutamate-, CHPG- and L-quisqualate-induced pCREB levels in rat cerebral cortex neurons. Although the engagement of other targets cannot be definitively ruled out, these data support the view that GET73 acts as an mGluR5 NAM and support the significance of further investigating the possible mechanism of action of the compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,IRET Foundation, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea C Borelli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,IRET Foundation, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria C Tomasini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,IRET Foundation, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,IRET Foundation, Bologna, Italy.,LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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16
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Loi B, Zloh M, De Luca MA, Pintori N, Corkery J, Schifano F. 4,4'-Dimethylaminorex ("4,4'-DMAR"; "Serotoni") misuse: A Web-based study. Hum Psychopharmacol 2017; 32. [PMID: 28657180 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 4,4'-DMAR (4,4'-dimethylaminorex; "Serotoni") is a potent stimulant drug that has recently been associated with a number of fatalities in Europe. Over the last few years, online communities have emerged as important resources for disseminating levels of technical knowledge on novel psychoactive substances. OBJECTIVE Analysing the information provided by the fora communities on 4,4'-DMAR use, additionally critical reviewing the available evidence-based literature on this topic. METHODS Different website drug fora were identified. A critical review of the existing evidence-based literature was undertaken. Individuation and analysis of qualitative data from the identified website fora were performed. RESULTS The combined search results identified six website fora from which a range of qualitative data on recurring themes was collected. These themes included routes of administration and doses; desired effects; adverse effects; comparison with other drugs; association with other drugs; medications self-administered to reverse 4,4'-DMAR action; overall impression; and provision of harm-reduction advice. CONCLUSIONS Although being characterized by a number of methodological limitations, the social networks' Web monitoring approach (netnography) may be helpful to better understand some of the clinical and psychopharmacological issues pertaining to a range of novel psychoactive substances, including 4,4'-DMAR, for which only extremely little, if any, scientific knowledge is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Loi
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Post-graduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Mire Zloh
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Post-graduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - John Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Post-graduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Post-graduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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17
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De Luca MA, Bimpisidis Z, Melis M, Marti M, Caboni P, Valentini V, Margiani G, Pintori N, Polis I, Marsicano G, Parsons LH, Di Chiara G. Stimulation of in vivo dopamine transmission and intravenous self-administration in rats and mice by JWH-018, a Spice cannabinoid. Neuropharmacology 2015; 99:705-14. [PMID: 26327678 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The synthetic cannabinoid 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)-indole (JWH-018) has been detected in about 140 samples of a smokable herbal mixture termed "Spice". JWH-018 is a CB1 and CB2 agonist with a higher affinity than Δ9-THC. In order to investigate the neurobiological substrates of JWH-018 actions, we studied by microdialysis in freely moving rats the effect of JWH-018 on extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core and in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). JWH-018, at the dose of 0.25 mg/kg i.p., increased DA release in the NAc shell but not in the NAc core and mPFC. Lower (0.125 mg/kg) and higher doses (0.50 mg/kg) were ineffective. These effects were blocked by CB1 receptor antagonists (SR-141716A and AM 251) and were absent in mice lacking the CB1 receptor. Ex vivo whole cell patch clamp recordings from rat ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons showed that JWH-018 decreases GABAA-mediated post-synaptic currents in a dose-dependent fashion suggesting that the stimulation of DA release observed in vivo might result from disinhibition of DA neurons. In addition, on the "tetrad" paradigm for screening cannabinoid-like effects (i.e., hypothermia, analgesia, catalepsy, hypomotility), JWH-018, at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg i.p., produced CB1 receptor-dependent behavioural effects in rats. Finally, under appropriate experimental conditions, rats (20 μg/kg/inf i.v., FR3; nose-poking) and mice (30 μg/kg/inf i.v., FR1; lever-pressing) self-administer intravenously JWH-018. In conclusion, JWH-018 shares with the active ingredient of Marijuana, Δ9-THC, CB1-dependent reinforcing and DA stimulant actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy; INN, National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy.
| | - Z Bimpisidis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Marti
- INN, National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - P Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - V Valentini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy; INN, National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", Italy
| | - G Margiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - N Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - I Polis
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - G Marsicano
- Neurocentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - L H Parsons
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - G Di Chiara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy; INN, National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari Section, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", Italy
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