Sex‐dependent effects of Cacna1c haploinsufficiency on juvenile social play behavior and pro‐social 50‐kHz ultrasonic communication in rats

As cross‐disorder risk gene, CACNA1C is implicated in the etiology of all major neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in social behavior and communication and there is evidence for sex‐dependent influences of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms within CACNA1C on diagnosis, course, and recovery in humans. In this study, we aimed, therefore, at further exploring the role of Cacna1c in regulating behavioral phenotypes, focusing on sex‐specific differences in social behavior and communication during the critical developmental period of adolescence in rats. Specifically, we compared rough‐and‐tumble play, concomitant emission of pro‐social 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations, and social approach behavior in response to playback of 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations between constitutive heterozygous Cacna1c ^+/? females and wildtype Cacna1c ^+/+ littermate controls, and contrasted present female findings to data previously reported in males. Our results show for the first time that partial depletion of Cacna1c leads to sex‐dependent alterations in social behavior and communication in rats. In females, Cacna1c haploinsufficiency led to hypermasculinization, with rough‐and‐tumble play behavior, in general, and pinning behavior, in particular, being even higher than in males without affecting concomitant 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations. In males, in contrast, rough‐and‐tumble play behavior was not altered, yet emission of 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations was diminished following partial Cacna1c depletion. The behavioral responses elicited by playback of 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations were reduced upon partial Cacna1c depletion in both sexes. It thus can be concluded that Cacna1c plays a prominent sex‐dependent role in regulating juvenile rat social play behavior and pro‐social 50‐kHz ultrasonic communication with relevance to sex‐specific effects seen in neuropsychiatric disorders.     

NMDA Receptors on Non-Dopaminergic Neurons in the VTA Support Cocaine Sensitization

Background

The initiation of behavioral sensitization to cocaine and other psychomotor stimulants is thought to reflect N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated synaptic plasticity in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) circuitry. The importance of drug induced NMDAR mediated adaptations in ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons, and its association with drug seeking behaviors, has recently been evaluated in Cre-loxp mice lacking functional NMDARs in DA neurons expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the endogenous dopamine transporter gene (NR1^DATCre mice).

Methodology and Principal Findings

Using an additional NR1^DATCre mouse transgenic model, we demonstrate that while the selective inactivation of NMDARs in DA neurons eliminates the induction of molecular changes leading to synaptic strengthening, behavioral measures such as cocaine induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference remain intact in NR1^DATCre mice. Since VTA DA neurons projecting to the prefrontal cortex and amygdala express little or no detectable levels of the dopamine transporter, it has been speculated that NMDA receptors in DA neurons projecting to these brain areas may have been spared in NR1^DATCre mice. Here we demonstrate that the NMDA receptor gene is ablated in the majority of VTA DA neurons, including those exhibiting undetectable DAT expression levels in our NR1^DATCre transgenic model, and that application of an NMDAR antagonist within the VTA of NR1^DATCre animals still blocks sensitization to cocaine.

Conclusions/Significance

These results eliminate the possibility of NMDAR mediated neuroplasticity in the different DA neuronal subpopulations in our NR1^DATCre mouse model and therefore suggest that NMDARs on non-DA neurons within the VTA must play a major role in cocaine-related addictive behavior.     

[3-cis-3,5-Dimethyl-(1-piperazinyl)alkyl]-bis-(4′-fluorophenyl)amine analogues as novel probes for the dopamine transporter

In a continuing effort to identify novel probes with which to study the dopamine transporter (DAT), we discovered that the σ receptor antagonist, rimcazole, binds with moderate affinity (K_i=224 nM) to the DAT. The results from previous SAR studies suggested that substitution of the carbazole ring system of rimcazole with bis-(4′-fluorophenyl)amine might improve binding affinity and selectivity for the DAT. Thus, a novel series of [3-cis-3,5-dimethyl-(1-piperazinyl)alkyl]bis-(4′-fluorophenyl)amines were synthesized. The most potent compound in this series (9b) displaced [³H]WIN 35,428 binding in rat caudate-putamen (K_i=17.6 nM) with comparable affinity to GBR 12909. Despite high-affinity binding at DAT, and structural similarity to GBR 12909, preliminary studies suggest 9b behaves more like rimcazole than GBR 12909 and does not demonstrate cocaine-like psychostimulant behavior in mice.     

Central antisecretory and peripheral gastroprotective effects of GBR 12909, a selective dopamine uptake inhibitor

A variety of dopaminergic compounds influence gastric secretion and response to injury. In particular, agonists of the D₁ receptor are gastroprotective when given either centrally of peripherally. In the present studies, we show that an indirect dopamine (DA) promoter, GBR 12909, a selective DA uptake inhibitor given ip but not icv, protects against restraint-cold stress-induced gastric mucosal injury. This protection likely occurred through preservation of gastric adherent mucus, since all doses of GBR 12909 resulted in gastric mucus levels at or near control (non-stressed) values. When given, ip, GBR 12909 did not influence basal gastric acid secretion in conscious rats, however, when given icv, GBR 12909 inhibited gastric acid secretion with an ED₅₀ of about 0.5 ug (1.13 umoles). We conclude that both central and peripheral DA contributes to gastrointestinal integrity through reduction of aggressive elements in the gut as well as by enhancing gastric mucosal defence.     

Involvement of GABA and cholinergic receptors in the nucleus accumbens on feedback control of somatodendritic dopamine release in the ventral tegmental area

The objectives of the present study were to examine the involvement of GABA and cholinergic receptors within the nucleus accumbens (ACB) on feedback regulation of somatodendritic dopamine (DA) release in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Adult male Wistar rats were implanted with ipsilateral dual guide cannulae for in vivo microdialysis studies. Activation of the feedback system was accomplished by perfusion of the ACB with the DA uptake inhibitor GBR 12909 (GBR; 100 microm). To assess the involvement of GABA and cholinergic receptors in regulating this feedback system, antagonists (100 microm) for GABAA (bicuculline, BIC), GABAB (phaclofen, PHAC), muscarinic (scopolamine, SCOP), and nicotinic (mecamylamine, MEC) receptors were perfused through the probe in the ACB while measuring extracellular DA levels in the ACB and VTA. Local perfusion of the ACB with GBR significantly increased (500% of baseline) the extracellular levels of DA in the ACB and produced a concomitant decrease (50% of baseline) in the extracellular DA levels in the VTA. Perfusion of the ACB with BIC or PHAC alone produced a 200-400% increase in the extracellular levels of DA in the ACB but neither antagonist altered the levels of DA in the VTA. Co-perfusion of either GABA receptor antagonist with GBR further increased the extracellular levels of DA in the ACB to 700-800% of baseline. However, coperfusion with BIC completely prevented the reduction in the extracellular levels of DA in the VTA produced by GBR alone, whereas PHAC partially prevented the reduction. Local perfusion of the ACB with either MEC or SCOP alone had little effect on the extracellular levels of DA in the ACB or VTA. Co-perfusion of either cholinergic receptor antagonist with GBR markedly reduced the extracellular levels of DA in the ACB and prevented the effects of GBR on reducing DA levels in the VTA. Overall, the results of this study suggest that terminal DA release in the ACB is under tonic GABA inhibition mediated by GABAA (and possibly GABAB) receptors, and tonic cholinergic excitation mediated by both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Activation of GABAA (and possibly GABAB) receptors within the ACB may be involved in the feedback inhibition of VTA DA neurons. Cholinergic interneurons may influence the negative feedback system by regulating terminal DA release within the ACB.     

Quantitative cortical synapse proteomics of a transgenic migraine mouse model with mutated CaV2.1 calcium channels

Familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1) is caused by missense mutations in the CACNA1A gene that encodes the α1A pore‐forming subunit of Ca_V2.1 Ca²⁺ channels. Knock‐in (KI) transgenic mice expressing Ca_V2.1 Ca²⁺ channels with a human pathogenic FHM1 mutation reveal enhanced glutamatergic neurotransmission in the cortex. In this study, we employed an iTRAQ‐based LC‐LC MS/MS approach to identify differentially expressed proteins in cortical synapse proteomes of Cacna1a R192Q KI and wild‐type mice. All expression differences determined were subtle and in the range of 10–30%. Observed upregulated proteins in the mutant mice are involved in processes, such as neurite outgrowth and actin dynamics, vesicle turnover, and glutamate transporters. Our data support the view that in Cacna1a R192Q KI mice, several compensatory mechanisms counterbalancing a dysregulated glutamatergic signaling have come into effect. We propose that such adaptation mechanisms at the synapse level may play a role in the pathophysiology of FHM and possibly in the common forms of migraine.     

The atypical stimulant and nootropic modafinil interacts with the dopamine transporter in a different manner than classical cocaine-like inhibitors

Modafinil is a mild psychostimulant with pro-cognitive and antidepressant effects. Unlike many conventional stimulants, modafinil has little appreciable potential for abuse, making it a promising therapeutic agent for cocaine addiction. The chief molecular target of modafinil is the dopamine transporter (DAT); however, the mechanistic details underlying modafinil's unique effects remain unknown. Recent studies suggest that the conformational effects of a given DAT ligand influence the magnitude of the ligand's reinforcing properties. For example, the atypical DAT inhibitors benztropine and GBR12909 do not share cocaine's notorious addictive liability, despite having greater binding affinity. Here, we show that the binding mechanism of modafinil is different than cocaine and similar to other atypical inhibitors. We previously established two mutations (W84L and D313N) that increase the likelihood that the DAT will adopt an outward-facing conformational state--these mutations increase the affinity of cocaine-like inhibitors considerably, but have little or opposite effect on atypical inhibitor binding. Thus, a compound's WT/mutant affinity ratio can indicate whether the compound preferentially interacts with a more outward- or inward-facing conformational state. Modafinil displayed affinity ratios similar to those of benztropine, GBR12909 and bupropion (which lack cocaine-like effects in humans), but far different than those of cocaine, β-CFT or methylphenidate. Whereas treatment with zinc (known to stabilize an outward-facing transporter state) increased the affinity of cocaine and methylphenidate two-fold, it had little or no effect on the binding of modafinil, benztropine, bupropion or GBR12909. Additionally, computational modeling of inhibitor binding indicated that while β-CFT and methylphenidate stabilize an "open-to-out" conformation, binding of either modafinil or bupropion gives rise to a more closed conformation. Our findings highlight a mechanistic difference between modafinil and cocaine-like stimulants and further demonstrate that the conformational effects of a given DAT inhibitor influence its phenomenological effects.     

Halothane Increases Non-vesicular [<Superscript>3</Superscript>H]dopamine Release from Brain Cortical Slices

Experimental data suggest that halothane anesthesia is associated with significant changes in dopamine (DA) concentration in some brain regions but the mechanism of this effect is not well known. Rat brain cortical slices were labeled with [³H]DA to further characterize the effects of halothane on the release of this neurotransmitter from the central nervous system. Halothane induced an increase on the release of [³H]DA that was dependent on incubation time and anesthetic concentration (0.012, 0.024, 0.048, 0.072 and 0.096 mM). This effect was independent of extracellular or intracellular calcium. In addition, [³H]DA release evoked by halothane was not affected by TTX (blocker of voltage-dependent Na⁺ channels) or reserpine (a blocker of vesicular monoamine transporter). These data suggest that [³H]DA release induced by halothane is non-vesicular and would be mediated by the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET). GBR 12909 and nomifensine, inhibitors of DAT, decreased the release of [³H]DA evoked by halothane. Nisoxetine, a blocker of NET, reduced the release of [³H]DA induced by halothane. In addition, GBR 12909, nisoxetine and, halothane decrease the uptake of [³H]DA into rat brain cortical slices. A decrease on halothane-induced release of [³H]DA was also observed when the brain cortical slices were incubated at low temperature and low extracellular sodium, which are known to interfere with the carrier-mediated release of the neurotransmitter. Ouabain, a Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase pump inhibitor, which induces DA release through reverse transport, decreased [³H]DA release induced by halothane. It is suggested that halothane increases [³H]DA release in brain cortical slices that is mediated by DAT and NET present in the plasma membrane.     

Presynaptic control of striatal dopamine neurotransmission in adult vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) mutant mice

The vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) plays a pivotal role in regulating the size of vesicular and cytosolic dopamine (DA) storage pools within the CNS, and can thus influence extracellular DA neurotransmission. Transgenic mice have been generated with a dramatically reduced (by approximately 95%) expression of the VMAT2 gene which, unlike complete knockout lines, survive into adulthood. We compared the pre-synaptic regulation of both impulse-dependent (exocytotic) and carrier-mediated (via reversal of the DA transporter, DAT) DA release in the dorsolateral caudate putamen (CPu) of striatal slices derived from adult homozygous VMAT2 mutant and wild-type mice using fast cyclic voltammetry. Impulse-dependent DA release, evoked by a single electrical pulse, was lower in homozygous (116 nm) than wild-type mice (351 nm) indicating smaller vesicular DA stores, an observation supported by the evanescent effect of amfonelic acid (300 nm) in homozygous mice. Amphetamine (2 microm) increased extracellular DA via DAT reversal in both wild-type (by 459 nm) and VMAT2 mutant (by 168 nm, p < 0.01 vs. wild-type) mice. In both cases, the effect was blocked by the DAT inhibitor GBR12935 (1 microm). Simultaneously, amphetamine decreased impulse-dependent DA release, albeit less in homozygous (by 55%) than in wild-type (by 78%) mice. In wild-types, this decrement was largely reversed by GBR12935 but not by the D2/D3 autoreceptor antagonist (-)sulpiride (1 microm). Conversely, in homozygous VMAT2 mutant mice, it was attenuated by (-)sulpiride but not GBR12935. The D2/D3 receptor agonist quinpirole inhibited impulse-dependent DA release with a lower EC50 value in homozygous mice (12 nm) compared with wild-types (34 nm), indicating the compensatory presence of functionally supersensitive release-regulating autoreceptors. However, analysis of DA reuptake kinetics obtained in the absence and presence of DAT blockade (by cocaine and amfonelic acid) revealed only minor differences in DAT functionality. These results demonstrate that impaired vesicular DA storage constrains extracellular DA levels in the dorsolateral CPu whether induced by either impulse-dependent or carrier-mediated mechanisms and that the relative importance of the DAT and terminal autoreceptors as control mechanisms in the actions of amphetamine are reversed in VMAT2 mutant mice.     

Kinetic mechanism of dopamine transporter interaction with 1-(2-(bis-(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy)ethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR 12909)

Interaction of piperazine-based dopamine transporter inhibitor GBR12909 with rat dopamine transporters has been studied by means of competition kinetics analysis, employing [(3)H]PE2I as the reporter ligand. It has been found that GBR12909 is capable of inducing so-called "slow isomerization step" upon binding to DAT, probably consisting of a conformational change in the transporter protein. The mechanism exhibited by GBR12909 appears to be similar to the mechanism of PE2I that has been reported earlier and also confirms previous observations for GBR12783 made by Do-Rego and co-workers using dopamine uptake data. It appears that the isomerization phenomenon previously described for PE2I is not limited to tropane-based DAT inhibitors, but is, in fact, a general property of dopamine transporter protein, similar to "isomerization" process reported previously for G-protein coupled receptors. The rapid first step of association of the GBR 12909 is characterized by the equilibrium constant K(L)=34+/-11nM and the second slow step by k(i)=0.033+/-0.005s(-1).     

Mutations in voltage-gated L-type calcium channel: implications in cardiac arrhythmia

The voltage-gated L-type calcium channel (LTCC) is essential for multiple cellular processes. In the heart, calcium influx through LTCC plays an important role in cardiac electrical excitation. Mutations in LTCC genes, including CACNA1C, CACNA1D, CACNB2 and CACNA2D, will induce the dysfunctions of calcium channels, which result in the abnormal excitations of cardiomyocytes, and finally lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Nevertheless, the newly found mutations in LTCC and their functions are continuously being elucidated. This review summarizes recent findings on the mutations of LTCC, which are associated with long QT syndromes, Timothy syndromes, Brugada syndromes, short QT syndromes, and some other cardiac arrhythmias. Indeed, we describe the gain/loss-of-functions of these mutations in LTCC, which can give an explanation for the phenotypes of cardiac arrhythmias. Moreover, we present several challenges in the field at present, and propose some diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to these mutation-associated cardiac diseases in the future.     

Further structure-activity relationship studies on 8-substituted-3-[2-(diarylmethoxyethylidenyl)]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives at monoamine transporters

The synthesis and structure–activity relationships of 8-substituted-3-[2-(diarylmethoxyethylidenyl)]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives were investigated at the dopamine transporter (DAT), the serotonin transporter (SERT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET). The rigid ethylidenyl-8-azabicyclic[3.2.1]octane skeleton imparted modestly stereoselective binding and uptake inhibition at the DAT. Additional structure–activity studies provided a transporter affinity profile that was reminiscent of the structure–activity of GBR 12909. From these studies, the 8-cyclopropylmethyl group has been identified as a unique moiety that imparts high SERT/DAT selectivity. In this study the 8-cyclopropylmethyl derivative 22e (DAT K_i of 4.0 nM) was among the most potent compounds of the series at the DAT and was the most DAT selective ligand of the series (SERT/DAT: 1060). Similarly, the 8-chlorobenzyl derivative 22g (DAT K_i of 3.9 nM) was found to be highly selective for the DAT over the NET (NET/DAT: 1358).     

Evidence that Extracellular Concentrations of Dopamine Are Regulated by Noradrenergic Neurons in the Frontal Cortex of Rats

Abstract: Experiments were performed to confirm that noradrenergic terminals regulate extracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA) in the frontal cortex of rats. The effects of 20 mg/kg 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorphenyl)methoxy]-ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR 12909), a selective inhibitor of DA uptake, and 2.5 mg/kg desipramine (DMI) on the extracellular concentrations of DA in the frontal cortex and striatum were studied in rats given 6-hydroxydopamine (6 µg/µl) bilaterally into the locus coeruleus to destroy noradrenergic terminals. GBR 12909 increased dialysate DA similarly in the striatum of vehicle and 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats, whereas in the frontal cortex it raised DA concentrations only in lesioned animals. DMI raised extracellular DA concentrations in the frontal cortex but not in the striatum of controls. The effect of DMI on cortical DA was abolished by the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion. GBR 12909, at a subcutaneous dose of 20 mg/kg, further increased cortical dialysate DA in rats given DMI intraperitoneally at 20 mg/kg or through the probe at 10⁻⁵ mol/L. The data support the hypothesis of an important regulation of the extracellular concentrations of DA in the frontal cortex by noradrenergic terminals.     

Regulation of Dopamine Receptors by Bupropion: Comparison with Antidepressants and CNS Stimulants

Abstract

Acute treatment of rats with the antidepressant bupropion increased [³H]spiperone binding to D₂ receptors in vivo. This dose- and time-dependent effect was greatest in striatum and minimal in cerebellum and pituitary. A parallel behavioral stimulation occurred in the same rats. Among 21 antidepressants and CNS stimulants tested, only those that activate dopamine (DA) transmission had similar effects: nomifensine, amineptine, methylphenidate, D-amphetamine, amfonelic acid, cocaine, benztropine and GBR 12909. Decreasing DA transmission with reserpine plus α-methyl-p-tyrosine prevented the action of bupropion. Finally, bupropion was inactive in vitro and ex-vivo. Therefore, we propose that bupropion and other DA-enhancing agents modify the characteristics of [³H]spiperone binding through the intervention of a dynamic regulation of the D₂ receptors by the neurotransmitter itself.     

Drug-driven AMPA receptor redistribution mimicked by selective dopamine neuron stimulation

Background

Addictive drugs have in common that they cause surges in dopamine (DA) concentration in the mesolimbic reward system and elicit synaptic plasticity in DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Cocaine for example drives insertion of GluA2-lacking AMPA receptors (AMPARs) at glutamatergic synapes in DA neurons. However it remains elusive which molecular target of cocaine drives such AMPAR redistribution and whether other addictive drugs (morphine and nicotine) cause similar changes through their effects on the mesolimbic DA system.

Methodology / Principal Findings

We used in vitro electrophysiological techniques in wild-type and transgenic mice to observe the modulation of excitatory inputs onto DA neurons by addictive drugs. To observe AMPAR redistribution, post-embedding immunohistochemistry for GluA2 AMPAR subunit was combined with electron microscopy. We also used a double-floxed AAV virus expressing channelrhodopsin together with a DAT Cre mouse line to selectively express ChR2 in VTA DA neurons. We find that in mice where the effect of cocaine on the dopamine transporter (DAT) is specifically blocked, AMPAR redistribution was absent following administration of the drug. Furthermore, addictive drugs known to increase dopamine levels cause a similar AMPAR redistribution. Finally, activating DA VTA neurons optogenetically is sufficient to drive insertion of GluA2-lacking AMPARs, mimicking the changes observed after a single injection of morphine, nicotine or cocaine.

Conclusions / Significance

We propose the mesolimbic dopamine system as a point of convergence at which addictive drugs can alter neural circuits. We also show that direct activation of DA neurons is sufficient to drive AMPAR redistribution, which may be a mechanism associated with early steps of non-substance related addictions.     

Further exploration of 1-[2-[Bis-(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]piperazine (GBR 12909): role of N-aromatic,N-heteroaromatic,and 3-oxygenated N-phenylpropyl substituents on affinity for the dopamine and serotonin transporter

A series of N-aromatic, N-heteroaromatic, and oxygenated N-phenylpropyl derivatives of 1-(2-benzhydryloxyethyl)-piperazine and 1-[2-[bis-(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]piperazine, analogues of GBR 12909 (1a) and 12935 (1b), was synthesized and examined for their dopamine (DAT) and serotonin (SERT) transporter binding properties. One of these compounds, racemic 3-[4-(2-benzhydryloxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl]-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-propan-1-ol (33), had DAT affinity as good as, or better than, GBR 12909 and 12935, and was more selective for DAT over SERT than the GBR compounds. Both trans- (43) and cis- (47) (+/-)-2-(4-[2-[bis-(4-fluorophenyl)-methoxy]ethyl]piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ol had relatively good SERT selectivity and, as well, showed high affinity for SERT.     

Design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel, 4-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-1-benzyl piperidine-based, dopamine transporter photoaffinity label

The dopamine transporter (DAT) has been implicated strongly in cocaine's reinforcing effects. Many derivatives of piperidine analogs of GBR 12909 have been developed and were found to be quite potent and selective for the DAT. In this regard, most of these derivatives were found to be much more selective for the DAT than conventional GBR compounds e.g. GBR 12909 when their selectivity was compared with the serotonin transporter (SERT). A brief structure-activity relationship (SAR) study has been carried out in the development of a novel photoaffinity ligand which illustrated the effect of the presence of a sterically bulky iodine atom next to the azido group in activity and selectivity for the DAT. This SAR study also led to the development of the compound 4 which is one of the most potent and selective blockers for the DAT known today. The photoaffinity ligand [125I]AD-96-129 was incorporated into the DAT molecule as was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation with serum 16 which is specific for DAT. This photolabeling was antagonized by DAT-specific blockers and was unaffected by specific SERT and norepinephrine transporter (NET) blockers indicating interaction of this novel ligand with the DAT.