Article
Neurosciences
Travis M. Moschak, T. Joseph Sloand, Regina M. Carelli
Summary: Distress tolerance (DT) is the ability to persist in challenging goal-directed behavior in the face of stress. Preclinical study in rats reveals that low DT is associated with heightened drug-seeking behavior. The study also demonstrates that the prelimbic cortex (PrL) plays an important role in DT and drug-seeking behavior, particularly in male rats with a history of cocaine.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Hadas Ahdoot-Levi, Ofri Croitoru, Tzofnat Bareli, Einav Sudai, Hilla Peer-Nissan, Avi Jacob, Iris Gispan, Rachel Maayan, Abraham Weizman, Gal Yadid
Summary: Research has shown that the neurosteroid DHEA has a long-lasting effect on reducing cocaine-seeking behavior and has a positive impact on hippocampal cell structure. The study emphasizes the critical role of astrocytes and neurons in overcoming addiction behavior.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Julian Guarque-Chabrera, Isis Gil-Miravet, Francisco Olucha-Bordonau, Ignasi Melchor-Eixea, Marta Miquel
Summary: Reciprocal pathways between the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex play a crucial role in modulating cognitive functions and psychiatric disorders related to substance use. Cue-action-reward associations in individuals with substance use disorder can trigger craving and relapse, with cerebellar activations observed during drug-related cue presentations. Inactivation of the Infralimbic cortex in rats during cocaine-induced conditioning led to increased preference for drug-related cues, enhanced cerebellar activity, and altered expression of perineuronal nets around Golgi interneurons, suggesting a potential role of cerebellar dysfunction in facilitating drug-induced memory acquisition.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Taygun C. Uzuneser, Hanna J. Szkudlarek, Matthew J. Jones, Mina G. Nashed, Timothy Clement, Hehe Wang, Iwao Ojima, Walter J. Rushlow, Steven R. Laviolette
Summary: This study identifies FABP-5 inhibition as a potential target for treating anxiety disorders. It also uncovers a novel CB2R-dependent FABP-5 signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) that strongly modulates anxiety-related behaviors and neuronal transmission patterns.
Article
Neurosciences
Kevin R. Coffey, Vaishnavi Venkat, Mark O. West, David J. Barker
Summary: Neurons in the lateral preoptic area show varied responses to different components of drug self-administration. The majority of these neurons signal the operant response with increases in spiking activity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shane B. Johnson, Ryan T. Lingg, Timothy D. Skog, Dalton C. Hinz, Sara A. Romig-Martin, Victor Viau, Nandakumar S. Narayanan, Jason J. Radley
Summary: This study explores the link between behavioral and biological features of stress responses in the brain. It identifies the involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and midbrain dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (PAG) in active stress coping behaviors, while a different circuit involving the rostral mPFC and ventrolateral PAG limits passive behaviors. Furthermore, the activation of the caudal mPFC-dorsolateral PAG projection can attenuate the increase in stress hormone output and immobility associated with a passive coping response. These findings provide insights into how the brain coordinates different responses to stress and contributes to stress resilience.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Brooke N. Bender, Mary M. Torregrossa
Summary: Intermittent access (IntA) models have been developed to mimic human cocaine use and have been shown to enhance pharmacological and behavioral effects of cocaine. This study examined sex differences and cue extinction in the IntA model. Results showed that IntA increased motivation for cocaine in females and facilitated punished cocaine self-administration in males. Additionally, after 10 days of IntA training, drug-seeking was dependent on DLS dopamine in males. These findings suggest that IntA is valuable for studying sex differences and early stages of drug use.
Article
Psychiatry
Laura L. Huerta L. Sanchez, Mathangi Sankaran, Taylor L. L. Li, Hoa Doan, Alvin Chiu, Eleanora Shulman, Gabriella Shab, Tod E. Kippin, Karen K. Szumlinski
Summary: The study shows that regardless of the duration of drug self-administration, an increase in drug-seeking behavior is observed after 3 or 30 days of withdrawal. The increased expression of phospho-Akt1, phospho-CaMKII, and Homer2a/b in the prelimbic cortex may be responsible for incubated cocaine craving.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Saeideh Karimi-haghighi, Maedeh Mahmoudi, Fatemeh Sayehmiri, Roghayeh Mozafari, Abbas Haghparast
Summary: The mechanism behind relapse in addiction treatment with psychostimulant drugs is not fully understood, and there is conflicting evidence regarding the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating relapse in preclinical studies. This systematic review evaluated the effect of endocannabinoid modulators on the reinstatement of commonly abused psychostimulants. Thirty-nine articles using different animal models were selected, and the results suggest that cannabinoid receptor antagonists and agonists may have potential in inhibiting the reinstatement of cocaine and methamphetamine addiction, but the effectiveness depends on time, dose, and route of administration.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kristen Jessen, Megan L. Slaker Bennett, Shuai Liu, Christopher M. Olsen
Summary: The encoding of memories is believed to occur in distinct populations of neurons called ensembles. In the medial prefrontal cortex, ensembles related to drug and reward-seeking have been identified, but previous studies have mainly focused on short-term encoding in a single environment. This study used TetTag mice and Fos immunohistochemistry to investigate the relationship between persistent sucrose-seeking behavior and ensemble encoding over time. The results showed that ensembles in the prelimbic and anterior cingulate cortex were sensitive to the context in which the seeking sessions took place, with different correlations observed in the same and distinct contexts.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Elizabeth A. West, Mark Niedringhaus, Heather K. Ortega, Rachel M. Haake, Flavio Frohlich, Regina M. Carelli
Summary: The study establishes the importance of the PrL-NAc core circuit in behavioral flexibility and introduces a novel noninvasive brain stimulation method to rescue cocaine-induced frontal hypofunction and restore flexible behavior in rats.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Eric Poisel, Lea Zillich, Fabian Streit, Josef Frank, Marion M. Friske, Jerome C. Foo, Naguib Mechawar, Gustavo Turecki, Anita C. Hansson, Markus M. Noethen, Marcella Rietschel, Rainer Spanagel, Stephanie H. Witt
Summary: This study investigates epigenome-wide DNA methylation signatures in the human brain tissue of individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD). The results show differential methylation associated with neurotransmission and neuroplasticity in CUD, supporting the impact of cocaine on brain circuits. Further research integrating epigenetic signatures with transcriptomic and proteomic data is needed.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kevin T. Ball, Hunter Edson
Summary: It has been found that male rats are less sensitive to punishment during cocaine self-administration compared to females. Additionally, daily restraint stress increases sensitivity to punishment in males but has no effect on females. This study aimed to determine whether chronic stress-induced dopamine release in the prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex mediates the effect of stress on punished cocaine self-administration.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Atul P. Daiwile, Subramaniam Jayanthi, Jean Lud Cadet
Summary: Sex differences were identified in gene expression in rats after Methamphetamine self-administration, with higher expression levels of certain genes in female rats in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Male rats showed higher expression levels of specific genes in the hippocampus. Both sexes exhibited increased expression of certain genes in the hippocampus after Methamphetamine self-administration. These findings suggest potential gender-specific molecular mechanisms in response to METH use.
Article
Neurosciences
Benjamin M. Siemsen, Sarah M. Barry, Kelsey M. Vollmer, Lisa M. Green, Ashley G. Brock, Annaka M. Westphal, Raven A. King, Derek M. DeVries, James M. Otis, Christopher W. Cowan, Michael D. Scofield
Summary: This study identified and characterized a specific subpopulation of nucleus accumbens neurons that receive dense prelimbic cortical input. These neurons play a crucial role in regulating cue-induced cocaine seeking behavior, but not sucrose seeking. Additionally, they undergo morphological changes during the peak of cocaine seeking. These findings provide insights into the neural mechanisms of drug relapse and offer a novel target for addiction therapeutics.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Terri A. deRoon-Cassini, Carisa L. Bergner, Samantha A. Chesney, Nicholas R. Schumann, Tara Sander Lee, Karen J. Brasel, Cecilia J. Hillard
Summary: The endocannabinoid signaling system plays a role in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly in minority populations. Serum concentrations of endocannabinoids are positively associated with PTSD symptom severity in minorities. Specific genetic polymorphisms are also related to the severity of PTSD symptoms.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Marc Ten-Blanco, Africa Flores, Inmaculada Pereda-Perez, Fabiana Piscitelli, Cristina Izquierdo-Luengo, Luigia Cristino, Julian Romero, Cecilia J. Hillard, Rafael Maldonado, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Fernando Berrendero
Summary: Anxiety and stress disorders often involve an inability to extinguish learned fear responses. This study suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system is involved in this impairment and that dysregulation of the orexin system may contribute to anxiety disorders characterized by pathological fear.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Samuel Ruiz de Martin Esteban, Irene Benito-Cuesta, Itziar Terradillos, Ana M. Martinez-Relimpio, M. Andrea Arnanz, Gonzalo Ruiz-Perez, Claudia Korn, Catarina Raposo, Roman C. Sarott, Matthias V. Westphal, Izaskun Elezgarai, Erick M. Carreira, Cecilia J. Hillard, Uwe Grether, Pedro Grandes, M. Teresa Grande, Julian Romero
Summary: The cannabinoid CB2 receptors are found to be significantly elevated in chronic neuroinflammatory states associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential therapeutic target in modulating amyloid metabolism through microglial CB2 receptors.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Avnish Patel, Stephanie D. Nofal, Michael J. Blackman, David A. Baker
Summary: This study investigates the role of CDC50 proteins in Plasmodium falciparum and shows that CDC50B binds to GC alpha, regulating egress efficiency, while CDC50C plays a critical role in trophozoite maturation.
Article
Neurosciences
Cesar E. Martinez Ramirez, Gonzalo Ruiz-Perez, Todd M. Stollenwerk, Christina Behlke, Ashley Doherty, Cecilia J. Hillard
Summary: It is difficult to underestimate the impact of the endocannabinoid signaling system on central nervous system function. Research on the ECS system continues to amaze and confuse, with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors playing important roles in cell-cell communication and regulating various brain functions. While preclinical studies are providing valuable insights, there is still much to learn about this versatile modulatory system.
Letter
Hematology
Jennifer M. Knight, Edward Hackett, Aniko Szabo, Ruizhe Wu, Garrett Sauber, Bryon Johnson, Rachel N. Cusatis, Elizabeth Aughey, Steve W. Cole, Cecilia J. Hillard, Nirav N. Shah
Article
Neurosciences
Itziar Terradillos, Itziar Bonilla-Del Rio, Nagore Puente, Maitane Serrano, Amaia Mimenza, Leire Lekunberri, Ilazki Anaut-Lusar, Leire Reguero, Inmaculada Gerrikagoitia, Samuel Ruiz de Martin Esteban, Cecilia J. Hillard, Maria T. Grande, Julian Romero, Izaskun Elezgarai, Pedro Grandes
Summary: In Alzheimer's disease, the expression of the CB1 receptor increases in reactive microglia, but remains constant in astrocytes, with CB1 receptor labeling proportionally increasing with the perimeter of reactive astrocytes. These findings contribute to the understanding of the role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lawrence M. Carey, Zhili Xu, Gabriela Rajic, Alexandros Makriyannis, Julian Romero, Cecilia Hillard, Ken Mackie, Andrea G. Hohmann
Summary: This study suggests that CB2 activation may alleviate HIV-associated antiretroviral neuropathy and identifies a previously unreported mechanism through which CB2 activation produces antinociceptive efficacy. The study also demonstrates that a CB2 agonist can reverse established morphine tolerance and shows that CB2 localized to peripheral sensory neurons mediates the opioid tolerance sparing efficacy of CB2 agonists.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Lindsay B. Stewart, Aline Freville, Till S. Voss, David A. Baker, Gordon A. Awandare, David J. Conway
Summary: Asexual blood-stage malaria parasites must produce sexual progeny for mosquito infection. Two different methods of commitment rate measurement were compared, with higher sensitivity and precision observed in the detection of an early differentiation marker. Clinical isolates and laboratory-adapted lines showed significant variation in commitment rates, and the effects of choline on commitment varied quantitatively.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Chloe Botsford, Angelique G. Brellenthin, Josh M. Cisler, Cecilia J. Hillard, Kelli F. Koltyn, Kevin M. Crombie
Summary: Recent research has explored the connection between blood-based biomarkers (such as endocannabinoids; eCBs: including N-arachidonoylethanolamine [AEA] and 2-arachidonoylglycerol [2-AG]) and mental health outcomes in psychiatric populations, especially posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings suggest that there may be alterations in circulating eCBs and their response to stress in individuals with PTSD, and that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can increase circulating eCBs in women with and without PTSD.
JOURNAL OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Amir Forati, Rina Ghose, Fahimeh Mohebbi, John R. Mantsch
Summary: This study applied geospatial analysis to examine the characteristics of the journey to drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The research found that the community of residence is often different from the community where the overdose death occurs. Furthermore, the study identified different types of hotspots for overdose deaths and revealed insights into the drugs involved and causes of death.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jayme R. McReynolds, Colten P. Wolf, Dylan M. Starck, Jacob C. Mathy, Rebecca Schaps, Leslie A. Krause, Cecilia J. Hillard, John R. Mantsch
Summary: Stress promotes drug use in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). The CB1 cannabinoid receptor plays a crucial role in the stress-induced escalation of cocaine self-administration in male rats. The mesolimbic CB1 receptors are required for increased intake and heightened relapse susceptibility, suggesting that repeated stress at the time of cocaine use regulates CB1 receptor activity, though the exact mechanism is still unknown.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kelsey G. Guenther, Zhili Xu, Julian Romero, Cecilia J. Hillard, Ken Mackie, Andrea G. Hohmann
Summary: CB2 agonists can suppress pathological pain in animal models without unwanted side effects associated with CB1 receptor activation. However, the specific types of pain responsive to CB2 agonists and the cell types underlying therapeutic efficacy are not fully understood.
Review
Neurosciences
Maya Jammoul, Dareen Jammoul, Kevin K. Wang, Firas Kobeissy, Ralph G. Depalma
Summary: This article reviews the possible mechanisms by which traumatic brain injury (TBI) may stimulate the development of opioid use disorder (OUD) and discusses the interaction between these two processes. CNS damage due to TBI appears to drive adverse effects of subsequent OUD, with pain being a risk factor for opioid use after TBI.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Danusa Mar Arcego, Jan-Paul Buschdorf, Nicholas O'Toole, Zihan Wang, Barbara Barth, Irina Pokhvisneva, Nirmala Arul Rayan, Sachin Patel, Euclides Jose de Mendonca Filho, Patrick Lee, Jennifer Tan, Ming Xuan Koh, Chu Ming Sim, Carine Parent, Randriely Merscher Sobreira de Lima, Andrew Clappison, Kieran J. O'Donnell, Carla Dalmaz, Janine Arloth, Nadine Provencal, Elisabeth B. Binder, Josie Diorio, Patricia Pelufo Silveira, Michael J. Meaney
Summary: This study investigates the impact of environmental influences on mental health by integrating transcriptomic data from animal models with human data. The results suggest that hippocampal glucocorticoid-related transcriptional activity mediates the effects of early adversity on neural mechanisms implicated in psychiatric disorders.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Milenna T. van Dijk, Ardesheer Talati, Pratik Kashyap, Karan Desai, Nora C. Kelsall, Marc J. Gameroff, Natalie Aw, Eyal Abraham, Breda Cullen, Jiook Cha, Christoph Anacker, Myrna M. Weissman, Jonathan Posner
Summary: This study found that maternal stress is associated with future depressive symptoms and alterations in microstructure of the dentate gyrus (DG) in offspring. These results were consistent across two independent cohorts.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Josephine C. McGowan, Liliana R. Ladner, Claire X. Shubeck, Juliana Tapia, Christina T. LaGamma, Amanda Anqueira-Gonzalez, Ariana DeFrancesco, Briana K. Chen, Holly C. Hunsberger, Ezra J. Sydnor, Ryan W. Logan, Tzong-Shiue Yu, Steven G. Kernie, Christine A. Denny
Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to fear generalization by altering fear memory traces, and this symptom can be improved with (R,S)-ketamine.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2024)