Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Justin E. LaVigne, Ryan Hecksel, Attila Keresztes, John M. Streicher
Summary: Limited evidence suggests that terpenes found in Cannabis sativa may have cannabimimetic activity and can enhance cannabinoid activity. These multifunctional cannabimimetic ligands provide support for the entourage effect hypothesis, potentially enhancing the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiao Han, Ying Liang, Briana Hempel, Chloe J. Jordan, Hui Shen, Guo-Hua Bi, Jin Li, Zheng-Xiong Xi
Summary: Cannabinoids modulate dopamine transmission and behavior through activation of CB1 receptors. This study found that CB1 receptors are expressed in a subset of dopamine neurons and are involved in cannabinoid modulation of dopamine release and behavior. Deletion of CB1 receptors from dopamine neurons attenuated the effects of cannabinoids on dopamine release, locomotion, and anxiety.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ornela Kljakic, Helena Janickova, Miguel Skirzewski, Amy Reichelt, Sara Memar, Salah El Mestikawy, Yulong Li, Lisa M. Saksida, Timothy J. Bussey, Vania F. Prado, Marco A. M. Prado
Summary: In the striatum, cholinergic interneurons can release both acetylcholine and glutamate, and their individual and combined contributions to behavior regulation were assessed in mice using reward-based touchscreen tests. Changes in VAChT and VGLUT3 levels have different effects on reward responses, and the simultaneous loss of both vesicular transporters affects dopamine signaling and behavior in a more severe way than the loss of VAChT alone. This shows that the ability of CINs to secrete two different neurotransmitters allows for complex modulation of various behaviors.
Article
Neurosciences
Klara Danielsson, Oona Lagstrom, Mia Ericson, Bo Soderpalm, Louise Adermark
Summary: The study suggests that repeated amphetamine exposure leads to selective effects on dopamine signaling in striatal subregions, explaining why tolerance develops towards the drug's rewarding effects but not its psychosis inducing properties.
Article
Neurosciences
Lilian R. F. Faro, Lorenzo Justo, Raquel Gomez, Rafael Duran
Summary: Isatin can increase dopamine release by raising glutamate levels and potentially activating NMDA receptors and nitric oxide production.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Martina Di Bartolomeo, Tibor Stark, Oriana Maria Maurel, Fabio Arturo Iannotti, Martin Kuchar, Jana Ruda-Kucerova, Fabiana Piscitelli, Samuele Laudani, Vladimir Pekarik, Salvatore Salomone, Beatrice Arosio, Raphael Mechoulam, Mauro Maccarrone, Filippo Drago, Carsten T. Wotjak, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Matteo Vismara, Bernardo Dell'Osso, Claudio D'Addario, Vincenzo Micale
Summary: Perinatal exposure to THC affects brain development and increases the risk of psychopathology in adulthood, possibly due to dysregulation of endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems. Cannabidiol treatment may normalize these abnormalities by modulating altered dopaminergic activity.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Wilber Romero-Fernandez, Jaume J. Taura, Rene A. J. Crans, Marc Lopez-Cano, Ramon Fores-Pons, Manuel Narvaez, Jens Carlsson, Francisco Ciruela, Kjell Fuxe, Dasiel O. Borroto-Escuela
Summary: The study demonstrates the role of A(2A)R in modulating the D2R-mGluR(5) heteromeric component, showing that A(2A)R and mGluR(5) can interact to influence D2R signaling, indicating integrative activity within higher-order heteroreceptor complexes.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Angelica P. Escobar, Jonathan Martinez-Pinto, Francisco Silva-Olivares, Ramon Sotomayor-Zarate, Pablo R. Moya
Summary: EAAT3 overexpression impacts dopamine transmission, making dopamine neurons more sensitive to the effects of amphetamine and leading to an imbalance between the direct and indirect striatal pathways that favors the performance of repetitive behaviors.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wen-Qiang Ge, Ou-Yang Zhan-Mu, Chao Chen, Hong Zhang, Xiao-Yu Wang, Xin Liu, Li Li, Yu-Ye Lan, Chen-Nan Li, Jia-Can Sun, Run-Lin Shi, Zi-Yue Dou, Hui-Lin Pan, Hong-Ping Li, Xiang-Hong Jing, Man Li
Summary: Electroacupuncture (EA) reduces chronic itch by activating CB1 receptors on glutamatergic neurons and inhibiting CB1 receptors on GABAergic neurons in the vlPAG, thereby reducing the release of 5-HT in the medulla oblongata and GRPR signaling in the spinal cord. This study advances our understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of EA on chronic itch and guides the selection of optimal parameters and acupoints for treatment.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Zachary A. Rodd, Eric A. Engleman, William A. Truitt, Andrew R. Burke, Andrei Molosh, Richard L. Bell, Sheketha R. Hauser
Summary: The chemogenetic procedure DREADD selectively affects protein receptors. Administering clozapine N-oxide (CNO) significantly increases levels of glutamate and dopamine in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, caution should be taken as CNO is not an inert compound, and the effects of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine (N-Des) in CNO-DREADD studies need to be controlled.
Article
Neurosciences
Ana Moreira-de-Sa, Francisco Q. Goncalves, Joao P. Lopes, Henrique B. Silva, Angelo R. Tome, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Paula M. Canas
Summary: Research suggests that administration of A(2A) receptor antagonists can improve motor deficits in an Angelman syndrome mouse model and correct synaptic alterations in the cerebellum and striatum.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maximiliano Elgueta-Reyes, Victoria B. Velasquez, Pedro Espinosa, Raul Riquelme, Tatiana Dib, Nicole K. Sanguinetti, Angelica P. Escobar, Jonathan Martinez-Pinto, Georgina M. Renard, Ramon Sotomayor-Zarate
Summary: Early life exposure to sex hormones has long-lasting effects on brain areas involved in regulating locomotor and motivation behaviors. This study demonstrates that neonatal exposure to sex hormones alters the brain dopamine system and affects behavioral and neurochemical responses to amphetamine and methylphenidate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jamie J. Manning, Gabriel Rawcliffe, David B. Finlay, Michelle Glass
Summary: This study investigated the impact of phosphorylation modifications in a specific sequence of the CB1 receptor C-terminus on the translocation of Arrestin-2 and Arrestin-3. The results showed that these modifications partially contributed to the translocation of Arrestin, but complete inhibition was only achieved when all phosphorylation sites were mutated. Additionally, the dissociation of G proteins was also impaired proportionally to the extent of Arrestin translocation.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Hao Du, Yan Tan, Chang-Hong Li, Yan Zhao, Ping Li, Ya-Lei Ning, Ruo-Bing Gao, Bo Wang, Yan Peng, Si-Wei Tan, Zhi-Zhong Huang, Xing Chen, Nan Yang, Fa-Bo Shan, Ren-Ping Xiong, Yuan-Guo Zhou
Summary: This study found that microglial adenosine 2A receptor (A(2A)R) has different regulatory effects on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome at different glutamate concentrations. High glutamate concentrations reverse the inhibitory effect of A(2A)R on NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aske L. Ejdrup, Joel Wellbourne-Wood, Jakob K. Dreyer, Nina Guldhammer, Matthew D. Lycas, Ulrik Gether, Benjamin J. Hall, Gunnar Sorensen
Summary: A fundamental concept in neuroscience is the transmission of information between neurons via neurotransmitters, modulators, and peptides. The gold standard for measuring neurochemicals in awake animals has been microdialysis (MD), but genetically encoded fluorescence-based biosensors and in vivo optical techniques have introduced technologically distinct means of measuring neurotransmission. Comparing MD and fiber photometry (FP), the study found that although there were temporal differences, the readouts of extracellular dopamine (DA) correlated well within mice. Down-sampling of FP data showed temporal correlation to MD, with less variance observed using FP. The study also discovered periodic low levels of DA fluctuations and rapid predrug DA dynamics measured with FP that correlated to the subsequent pharmacodynamics of amphetamine as measured with MD and FP.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sergi Ferre, Francisco Ciruela, Carmen W. Dessauer, Javier Gonzalez-Maeso, Terence E. Hebert, Ralf Jockers, Diomedes E. Logothetis, Leonardo Pardo
Summary: The study proposes the concept of GPCR-effect assemblies (GEMMAs), which are pre-assembled before receptor activation and allow more efficient interactions between specific signaling components. This offers an alternative model to the conventional collision coupling model and explains the differential properties of GPCRs in different cellular environments.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Victor Fernandez-Duenas, Jordi Bonaventura, Ester Aso, Rafael Lujan, Sergi Ferre, Francisco Ciruela
Summary: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the main membrane receptor proteins controlling brain activity and are targeted by drugs for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. GPCRs regulate neuronal function through homo- and heteromerization, and various techniques are used to study GPCR oligomerization in native tissue. The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR)-dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) heteromer is used as an example to illustrate the implementation of these techniques in visualizing GPCR oligomers in the human brain under normal and pathological conditions. GPCR oligomerization may play a role in the pathophysiology of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daniel Pulido, Veronica Casado-Anguera, Marc Gomez-Autet, Natalia Llopart, Estefania Moreno, Nil Casajuana-Martin, Sergi Ferre, Leonardo Pardo, Vicent Casado, Miriam Royo
Summary: This study successfully designed and synthesized heterobivalent ligands that can simultaneously bind to adenosine A(2A) receptors and dopamine D-2 receptors, and demonstrated their binding to the receptor heteromer through various experimental techniques.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Gemma Navarro, William Rea, Cesar Quiroz, Estefania Moreno, Devan Gomez, Cody J. Wenthur, Vicent Casado, Lorenzo Leggio, Matthew C. Hearing, Sergi Ferre
Summary: GHS-R1b facilitates oligomerization with GHS-R1a, impacting its pharmacological properties, but GHSR1a:GHS-R1b:D1R oligomers in the VTA are the main mediators of the dopaminergic effects of ghrelin.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matilde S. Rodrigues, Samira G. Ferreira, Cesar Quiroz, Christopher J. Earley, Diego Garcia-Borreguero, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Francisco Ciruela, Attila Kofalvi, Sergi Ferre
Summary: Brain iron deficiency (BID) is a primary mechanism in restless legs syndrome (RLS), and BID in rodents has been used as an animal model for RLS. Previous studies have shown that BID leads to increased sensitivity of cortical pyramidal cells to glutamate release, which is correlated with the motor hyperexcitability observed in RLS patients. It has also been found that BID in rodents causes changes in the adenosinergic system, specifically a downregulation of inhibitory adenosine A(1) receptors (A(1)Rs) and an upregulation of excitatory adenosine A(2A) receptors (A(2A)Rs). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between A(1)Rs and A(2A)Rs in cortico-striatal and thalamo-striatal glutamatergic terminals of control and BID rats using a FACS-based synaptometric analysis. The results showed a selective decrease in the A(1)R/A(2A)R ratio in VGLUT1 positive-striatal terminals in BID rats.
Article
Cell Biology
Aaro Salminen, Stefan Clemens, Diego Garcia-Borreguero, Imad Ghorayeb, Yuqing Li, Mauro Manconi, William Ondo, David Rye, Jerome M. Siegel, Alessandro Silvani, John W. Winkelman, Richard P. Allen, Sergi Ferre
Summary: Our understanding of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is still incomplete, mainly due to the lack of objective diagnostic biomarkers. In this article, a group of preclinical and clinical scientists establishes new guidelines for constructing valid rodent models of RLS, considering the risk factors, triggering factors, and pathophysiological mechanisms that influence RLS expressivity. This research aims to provide translational implications for better diagnosing and treating RLS.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paulo A. De Oliveira, Estefania Moreno, Nil Casajuana-Martin, Veronica Casado-Anguera, Ning-Sheng Cai, Gisela Andrea Camacho-Hernandez, Hu Zhu, Alessandro Bonifazi, Matthew D. Hall, David Weinshenker, Amy Hauck Newman, Diomedes E. Logothetis, Vicent Casado, Leigh D. Plant, Leonardo Pardo, Sergi Ferre
Summary: Recent studies suggest that the heteromers of mu-opioid receptors (MORs) and galanin Gal(1) receptors (Gal(1)Rs) in the mesencephalon play a role in mediating the dopaminergic effects of opioids. This study provides evidence for a predominant homodimeric structure of MOR and Gal(1)R when expressed individually and for their preference to form functional heterotetramers when co-expressed. The results show that this heteromerization leads to a change in G-protein coupling, providing a framework for Gs-Gi antagonist interaction.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Christopher J. Earley, Byron C. Jones, Sergi Ferre
Summary: This article discusses the two main pathological elements of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): brain iron deficiency (BID) and altered dopaminergic system. Through research on diet-induced BID rodent models, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the effects of brain iron deficiency on the dopaminergic pathway and other potential pathways.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Estefania Moreno, Nil Casajuana-Martin, Michael Coyle, Baruc Campos Campos, Ewa Galaj, Claudia Llinas del Torrent, Arta Seyedian, William Rea, Ning-Sheng Cai, Alessandro Bonifazi, Benjamin Floran, Zheng-Xiong Xi, Xavier Guitart, Vicent Casado, Amy H. Newman, Christopher Bishop, Leonardo Pardo, Sergi Ferre
Summary: This study provides evidence that heteromerization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), specifically dopamine D1 and D3 receptors, can influence the pharmacological properties of selective ligands. In vivo experiments support the involvement of D1R-D3R heteromers in the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease, suggesting the potential of targeting GPCR heteromers for drug development.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sergi Ferre, Annabelle M. Belcher, Jordi Bonaventura, Cesar Quiroz, Marta Sanchez-Soto, Veronica Casado-Anguera, Ning-Sheng Cai, Estefania Moreno, Comfort A. Boateng, Thomas M. Keck, Benjamin Floran, Christopher J. Earley, Francisco Ciruela, Vicent Casado, Marcelo Rubinstein, Nora D. Volkow
Summary: The dopamine D4 receptor and its polymorphic variants play important roles in dopaminergic and noradrenergic modulation, and are associated with various disorders such as impulse-control disorders. Research on the D4 receptor helps to understand the regulatory mechanisms of impulsivity as a personality trait, and provides valuable therapeutic targets for diseases such as ADHD.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Sergi Ferre, Laura I. Sarasola, Cesar Quiroz, Francisco Ciruela
Summary: Adenosine plays a significant role in modulating striatal neurotransmission, which is mediated by A1 and A2A receptors. The modulation involves different components of the striatal microcircuit and the formation of heteromers. These heteromers have unique properties and provide fine-tune modulation of striatal glutamate release. Targeting these adenosine receptor heteromers may be important for drug development in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sergi Ferre, Attila Kofalvi, Francisco Ciruela, Zuzana Justinova, Marco Pistis
Summary: The rewarding effects of cannabinoids are believed to be mediated by CB1 receptors, but recent results suggest that dopaminergic neurons also play a role in the aversive effects of cannabinoids. Additionally, A2AR antagonists have been shown to counteract the self-administration of THC, suggesting a potential treatment for cannabinoid use disorder. Recent experiments in rodents and imaging studies in humans support the involvement of cortical astrocytic CB1 receptors and A2AR receptor heteromers in this process.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sergi Ferre, John Winkelman, Diego Garcia-Borreguero, Annabelle Belcher, Joy Chang, Christopher Earley
Summary: Restlessness is a common symptom in restless legs syndrome, neuroleptic-induced akathisia, and opioid withdrawal. These conditions may share the same underlying neurobiological basis involving specific striatal neurons.
Meeting Abstract
Neurosciences
Stephanie Foster, Jung Hoon Shin, Ewa Galaj, Alyssa Petko, Falyn Thomas, Carlos Paladini, Sergi Ferre, Veronica Alvarez, David Weinshenker
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William Norbey Sanchez Luna, Jose A. Pochapski, Nicolas Cordeiro, Roberto Andreatini, Rainer K. Schwarting, Donita L. Robinson, Sergi Ferre, Claudio da Cunha
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Correction
Neurosciences
Lucia Privitera, Ellen L. Hogg, Matthias Gaestel, Mark J. Wall, Sonia A. L. Correa
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Ya Jiang, Guan-Hao Wang, Jing-Jiao Xu, Xiao-Li Li, Xiao-Yan Lin, Xiang Fang, Hong-Xu Zhang, Mei Feng, Chun-Ming Jiang
Summary: This study reveals the importance of LINC00473 in regulating temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioblastoma (GB) and its potential mechanism. By regulating the expression of CEBP alpha and MGMT, LINC00473 promotes the formation of chemoresistance. Furthermore, LINC00473 can transfer chemoresistance to adjacent sensitive cells through exosomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Olga Kopach, Tetyana Pivneva, Nataliya Fedirko, Nana Voitenko
Summary: This study found that diabetic animals exhibit severe xerostomia characterized by reduced saliva flow rate, diminished total protein content, and decreased amylase activity. The impaired saliva production in diabetes is associated with reduced and delayed intracellular Ca2+ signals in submandibular acinar cells, caused by malfunctioning mitochondria. Targeting malfunctioning mitochondria may be a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic xerostomia.
Article
Neurosciences
Nicholas M. Timme, Cherish E. Ardinger, Seth D. C. Weir, Rachel Zelaya-Escobar, Rachel Kruger, Christopher C. Lapish
Summary: This study aimed to assess aversion-resistant drinking behavior in head-fixed mice and explore the relationship between non-consummatory behaviors and aversion-resistant drinking. The results showed that head-fixed mice exhibited heterogenous levels of aversion-resistant drinking and non-consummatory behaviors were related to the intensity of this behavior.
Article
Neurosciences
David R. Maguire, Charles P. France
Summary: Methocinnamox (MCAM) is a novel, long-acting opioid receptor antagonist that effectively decreases fentanyl self-administration and prevents opioid overdose in monkeys. The study demonstrates the potential therapeutic utility of MCAM in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiang Li, Dan Feng, Shenglu Ma, Mingxing Li, Shulei Zhao, Man Tang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of fluoxetine on neurochemical, neurobiological, and neurobehavioral changes in different subregions of the hippocampus. The results showed that fluoxetine increased dialysate 5-HT, decreased membrane 5-HTT protein, and increased cytoplasmic fraction. Additionally, fluoxetine reduced immobility times in behavioral tests, with greater effects observed in the ventral subregion compared to the dorsal subregion.
Article
Neurosciences
Alexander V. Zholos, Mariia I. Melnyk, Dariia O. Dryn
Summary: Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in visceral smooth muscles, activating M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors to cause smooth muscle excitation and contraction. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying acetylcholine-induced depolarisation and smooth muscle contraction, as well as the effects of anticholinergic drugs on gastrointestinal motility. The knowledge gained from recent studies has greatly expanded our understanding of these processes.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhenlong Li, Hsien-Yu Peng, Chau-Shoun Lee, Tzer-Bin Lin, Ming-Chun Hsieh, Cheng-Yuan Lai, Han-Fang Wu, Lih-Chyang Chen, Mei-Ci Chen, Dylan Chou
Summary: Methylone shows significant efficacy in treating depression and social deficits, making it an ideal candidate for anti-depressant medication.
Article
Neurosciences
Aline Freyssin, Allison Carles, Sarra Guehairia, Gilles Rubinstenn, Tangui Maurice
Summary: This study explores the potential of combining FENM and S1R agonists in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that most FENM-based combinations can protect against learning deficits caused by A beta 25-35, with better efficacy in short-term memory.
Article
Neurosciences
J. D. Lorente, J. Cuitavi, L. Rullo, S. Candeletti, P. Romualdi, L. Hipolito
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of pain on negative affect in different sexes and time courses, as well as the involvement of the dynorphinergic and corticotropin releasing factor systems in these pain-related behaviors. The results showed sex and time-dependent anxiety- and anhedonia-like behaviors induced by pain in female rats. The recruitment of KOR/DYN in the NAc was identified as a key neurological substrate mediating pain-induced behavioral alterations.
Article
Neurosciences
Rongjun Liu, Daofan Sun, Xiuzhong Xing, Qingge Chen, Bo Lu, Bo Meng, Hui Yuan, Lan Mo, Liufang Sheng, Jinwei Zheng, Qiusheng Wang, Junping Chen, Xiaowei Chen
Summary: The coexistence of pain and depression is frequently observed in patients with chronic pain and depression. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, has been reported to relieve chronic pain and depressive symptoms. This study investigated the effect of intranasal oxytocin on neuropathic pain and comorbid depressive symptoms, and found that oxytocin attenuated depression-like behavior but did not alleviate mechanical hyperalgesia. The results suggest that intranasal oxytocin may have the potential to treat depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain patients.