PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

Practical considerations in the establishment of psychedelic research programs
Barnett BS, Vest MF, Delatte MS, King Iv F, Mauney EE, Coulson AJ, Nayak SM, Hendricks PS, Greer GR and Murnane KS
There is increasing interest in establishing psychedelic research programs at academic medical centers. However, psychedelics are intensely psychoactive, carry considerable sociopolitical baggage, and most are Schedule I drugs, creating significant potential impediments to implementation. There is little formal guidance for investigators on navigating the complex on-the-ground obstacles associated with establishing psychedelic research programs.
SK609, a novel dopamine D3 receptor agonist and norepinephrine transporter blocker with putative pro-cognitive actions, does not induce psychostimulant-like increases in risky choice during probabilistic discounting
Knapp CP, Fallon B, Kortagere S, Waterhouse BD, Floresco SB and Navarra RL
Psychostimulants, such as amphetamine (AMPH) and methylphenidate (MPH), non-selectively elevate extracellular concentrations of the catecholamine neurotransmitters, dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE), and are common pharmacological strategies used to improve prefrontal cortex (PFC)-dependent cognitive dysfunction. However, this approach can be problematic given AMPH has been shown to increase preference for risky choices in a rodent assay of risk/reward decision making. SK609 is a novel NE reuptake blocker that selectively activates DA D3 receptors without affinity for the DA transporter. SK609 has been shown to improve cognitive performance without increasing psychostimulant-like spontaneous locomotor activity, suggesting SK609 may benefit neurocognitive function without psychostimulant-like side effect liability.
TSPO activation ameliorates maternal immune activation induced PV interneuron deficits via BDNF/TrkB signaling
Mao MJ, Yu HL, Liu QZ, Wen YZ, Jiang M, Yuan HM, Zeng HB, Zhang LD and Feng SW
Prenatal maternal immune activation (MIA) is an etiological risk factor for schizophrenia in offspring. Recently, parvalbumin (PV) positive interneuron deficits has been considered a critical pathology of many psych-cognitive disorders. Nevertheless, whether and how prenatal MIA affected PV interneuron in offspring remains largely unknown.
Maternal exposure to buprenorphine, but not methadone, during pregnancy reduces social play behavior across two generations of offspring
Nyberg H, Bogen IL, Nygaard E, Achterberg M and Andersen JM
The prevalence of newborns exposed to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as methadone or buprenorphine, during pregnancy is increasing. The opioid system plays a crucial role in regulating and shaping social behavior, and children prenatally exposed to opioids face an increased risk of developing behavioral problems. However, the impact of prenatal exposure to MOUD on offspring's social behavior during adolescence and adulthood, as well as potential intergenerational effects, remains largely unexplored.
The impact of voluntary wheel-running exercise on hippocampal neurogenesis and behaviours in response to nicotine cessation in rats
Zaniewska M, Brygider S, Majcher-Maślanka I, Gawliński D, Głowacka U, Glińska S and Balcerzak Ł
The literature indicates that nicotine exposure or its discontinuation impair adult hippocampal neurogenesis in rats, though the impact of exercise on this process remains unclear. We have previously shown that disturbances in the number of doublecortin (DCX, a marker of immature neurons)-positive (DCX) cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus during nicotine deprivation may contribute to a depression-like state in rats.
Seeking under threat of adversity: assessing control over reward pursuit in rats
van Koppen S, Minnaard AM, Smeets JAS, Buzatouiu I, Ramakers GMJ, Adan RAH, Vanderschuren LJMJ and Lesscher HMB
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disorder that is characterised by loss of control over substance use. A variety of rodent models employing punishment setups have been developed to assess loss of control over substance use, i.e. persistent substance use despite negative consequences, to facilitate the translation of findings from animal studies to the human situation.
Corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 in the medial prefrontal cortex mediates aversion resistant alcohol intake
Arnold ME, Harber CE, Beugelsdyk LA, Decker Ramirez EB, Phillips GB and Schank JR
Alcohol consumption despite negative consequences is a core symptom of Alcohol Use Disorder. In animal models, this is studied by pairing aversive stimuli with alcohol access, and continuation of drinking under these conditions is known as aversion resistance. Previously, we found that female mice are more aversion resistant than males. Corticotropin releasing hormone (Crh) and the Crh receptor 1 (Crhr1) regulate stress-induced reinstatement, alcohol dependence, and binge-like drinking. However, the role of the Crh system in aversion resistance has not been assessed.
A potential role of gut microbiota in stroke: mechanisms, therapeutic strategies and future prospective
Kaur M, Aran KR and Paswan R
Neurological conditions like Stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD) often include inflammatory responses in the nervous system. Stroke, linked to high disability and mortality rates, poses challenges related to organ-related complications. Recent focus on understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke includes aspects like cellular excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, cell death mechanisms, and neuroinflammation.
Emotion perception and online awareness following alcohol-intoxication: investigating possible deficits using the complex audio visual emotion assessment task
Emery H, Zuj DV, Palmer MA and Honan CA
Alcohol-intoxication is implicated in negative social behaviours, however the mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood. Impaired emotion perception following alcohol consumption may partially account for this link, however limited methodology in prior studies undermines the efficacy of this explanation.
Obtusin ameliorates diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation
Xu J, Shen R, Qian M, Ning L, Zhang X, Xie B, Jiang Y, Zhou Z and Dong W
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is linked to an increased risk of psychiatric and neurological conditions, largely due to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and microvascular damage associated with the disease. Emerging evidence suggests that Cassia seed extract has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the therapeutic potential of obtusin, a major compound in Cassia seed, and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Aerobic exercise prevents and improves cognitive dysfunction caused by morphine withdrawal via regulating endogenous opioid peptides in the brain
Dai S, Dong Y, Shi H, Jin J, Gan Y, Li X, Wu Y, Wang F, Zhu X, Hu Q, Dong Y and Fu Y
Morphine withdrawal leads to serious cognitive deficits in which dynorphins are directly involved. Recently, exercise has been shown to prevent and improve cognition dysfunction in a variety of ways. Meanwhile, exercise can regulate the endogenous opioid peptides including dynorphins. However, it remains unclear whether exercise influences cognitive dysfunction caused by morphine withdrawal via dynorphins. In the current study, we investigate the physiological mechanism of exercise prevention and improvement aganist cognition dysfunction caused by morphine withdrawal.
Efficacy of Nigella sativa seed oil against psychophysical stress induced irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety-like symptoms in Wistar rats
Sharma M, Rana S, Aggarwal S, Ahsan AU, Budhwar M, Mehra S, Sahoo SC and Chopra M
Stressors play a critical role in the progression of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Heterogenous stress causes alterations in our bowel movements which can further cause anxiety and depression-like symptoms, decreasing the ability of individuals worldwide to function in social, academic, and employment settings.
Efficacy and safety of prophylactic use of benzhexol after risperidone treatment in MK-801-induced mouse model of schizophrenia
Zhong Y, Wang W, Zhang M, Yao Y, Liu H and Zhang K
There is a debate about whether doctors should prophylactically use benzhexol in schizophrenic patients to reduce the occurrence of extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) after risperidone treatment.
The effects of caffeine mouth rinsing on selective attention as a function of different caffeine concentrations and perceived taste intensity in recreationally active males at rest: a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over trial
Balcı C, Toktaş N, Erman KA, Aktop A, Kavukçu E and Şahan A
The effect of caffeine mouth rinsing (CAF-MR) on cognitive performance has not been thoroughly investigated.
Multimodal examination of daily stress rhythms in chronic Cannabis users
Glodosky NC, Cleveland MJ, Azghan RR, Ghasemzadeh H, McLaughlin RJ and Cuttler C
Chronic cannabis users frequently report stress relief as their primary reason for use. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the neuroendocrine stress response, and diurnal cortisol rhythms may be disrupted in chronic cannabis users.
Behavioral studies of the abuse potential and anesthetic and sedative effects of etomidate in male rodents
Kuai L, Li X, Xu D, Zeng L, Xu P, Di B, Yan F and Wang D
Etomidate is a short-acting general anesthetic for clinical use and has been used as alternative to propofol or added to the powdered drug and e-cigarette cartridges recently, leading to an increase in abuse. But there have been no studies conducted on the abuse potential of etomidate.
Endocannabinoid dysregulation and PTSD in urban adolescents: Associations with anandamide concentrations and FAAH genotype
Marusak HA, Ely SL, Zundel CG, Gowatch LC, Shampine M, Carpenter C, Tamimi R, Jaster AM, Shakir T, May L, deRoon-Cassini TA and Hillard CJ
The endocannabinoid system, which regulates fear- and anxiety-related behaviors, is dysregulated in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as indicated by higher circulating anandamide (AEA) concentrations. The C385A (rs324420) polymorphism in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene, which catabolizes AEA, is linked to higher AEA concentrations and greater PTSD symptoms in adults. Given that adolescence is a critical period during which trauma and psychiatric disorders emerge, understanding this relationship in youth is essential. This study examines PTSD symptoms, AEA concentrations, and FAAH genotype in a diverse adolescent sample.
The effect of mixed tobacco monoamine oxidase inhibitors in animal models relevant to tobacco dependence
Truman P, Atigari DV, Kidwell M, Colussi-Mas J and Ellenbroek B
Tobacco monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors have long been suspected of influencing tobacco dependence, but direct evidence of their effects has been difficult to obtain. Recently we have identified two new groups of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, hydroquinones and polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acid), abundant in tobacco smoke.
Interactions of pain and opioids on conditioned place preference in rodents
Barattini AE and Pahng AR
Opioid analgesics are the most effective medications used for the treatment of pain, however there are significant risks associated with repeated opioid use including opioid misuse and opioid use disorder development. Chronic pain affects millions of adults in the United States, and opioid misuse is often comorbid with pain conditions in individuals who are repeatedly treated with opioids. In addition to providing pain relief, opioids produce rewarding effects, but in chronic pain states, reward processing can become dysregulated. The conditioned place preference task is commonly used to measure the rewarding properties of opioids in rodents. During this task, opioid administration is paired with a distinct environment through repeated conditioning and the change in an animal's preference for the paired environment indicates whether the opioid is rewarding or not.
Characterization of the nicotine uptake and safety of Nordic spirit tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches: A randomized cross-over study
Renard K, Nishihara D, Nilsson J, Larroque S, Martinez J and Giles L
Given the nascency of tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches (NPs) and the heterogeneity of commercially available NP brands, there is a need for scientific evaluation of different NP formulations. Nordic Spirit, novel NPs are distinguished by their unique composition.
Ketamine differentially affects implicit and explicit memory processes in rats
Yuksel B, Sen Z and Unal G
Ketamine, a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, produces antidepressant effects at subanesthetic doses. The therapeutic effect, however, is often accompanied by cognitive side effects, including memory impairments. Yet, the specific effects of ketamine on different processes of implicit and explicit memory remain to be elucidated.
Depression-like effects induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice are rapidly reversed by a partial negative allosteric modulator of mGlu receptor, M-5MPEP
Pałucha-Poniewiera A, Bobula B, Rafało-Ulińska A and Kaczorowska K
Due to the numerous limitations of ketamine as a rapid-acting antidepressant drug (RAAD), research is still being conducted to find an effective and safe alternative to this drug. Recent studies indicate that the partial mGlu receptor negative allosteric modulator (NAM), 2-(2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethynyl)-5-methylpyridine (M-5MPEP), has therapeutic potential as an antidepressant.
Delineating anticipatory arousal from reward consumption: evaluating fixed-intervals in cocaine seeking-taking response chains
Leonard MZ, Miczek KA and Covington Iii HE
Anticipation is a critical antecedent to drug use, in which the prospect of imminent drug availability can potently motivate instrumental actions directed to procure it. Models that capture the behavioral dynamics that precede drug access may allow for the dissociation of key neural mechanisms underlying appetitive or consummatory processes in drug self-administration.
Exploring the efficacy of cholinergic agents for the treatment of psychostimulant use disorder: a systematic review
Salloum N, Chouchana M, Icick R, Bloch V, Daumas S, Mestikawy SE, Vorspan F and Clergue-Duval V
No drugs are currently validated to treat psychostimulant use disorder (PUD). Pathophysiological studies consistently highlight the contribution of cholinergic mechanisms in psychostimulant use, including the vulnerability to PUD, paving the way for potential therapeutic strategies.
Glia dysfunction in schizophrenia: evidence of possible therapeutic effects of nervonic acid in a preclinical model
Wang X, Fu J, Wang H, Liu C, Zhang Y, Song C and Wang C
Neuroinflammation may inhibit oligodendrocyte and astrocyte differentiation, which causes demyelination and synaptic degeneration. The myelin component nervonic acid (NA) may improve demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases.
Assessment of pharmacological effects and abuse potential of 5F-EDMB-PICA, CUMYL-PEGACLONE, and NM-2201 in mice
Li K, Xu D, Qiao Y, Kuai L, Luo X, Di B and Xu P
The newly emerging synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) 5F-EDMB-PICA, CUMYL-PEGACLONE, and NM-2201 have been observed to produce effects by activating cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Nevertheless, the pharmacological effects and potential for abuse of these three substances remain to be studied. These substances have yet to be regulated in many countries.
Dose-dependent effect of acute THC on extinction memory recall and fear renewal: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Zabik NL, Iadipaolo A, Peters CA, Baglot SL, Hill MN and Rabinak CA
Prior work from our lab and others demonstrates that the endocannabinoid system is a promising avenue for improving fear memory deficits in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specifically, 7.5 mg of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) decreases fear responding in healthy adults and increases prefrontal cortex activation during extinction learning and fear renewal in adults with PTSD.
Curcumin alleviates arsenic trioxide-induced neural damage in the murine striatal region
Pandey KK, Mehta K, Kaur B and Dhar P
Arsenic-induced neurotoxicity, with dose-dependent effects, is well-documented in rodents. Curcumin (CUR), a cost-effective plant polyphenol, shows neuroprotective effects by modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neurochemistry. This study evaluates curcumin's neuroprotective potential against arsenic trioxide (AsO) in the mouse striatal region.
Immediate effects of propofol on mood: a randomized comparison of two doses in a cohort with depression
Feldman DA, Jones KG, Vonesh LC, Jacobs R, Hoffman N, Lybbert C, Huang J, Kuck K, Odell D, Tadler SC and Mickey BJ
The intravenous anesthetic propofol is known to induce positive mood effects during routine clinical use, suggesting it might be repurposed as an antidepressant, but also raising concerns about abuse potential. How propofol's acute effects vary by dose and with repeated infusions is unknown.
Ferulic acid ameliorates bisphenol A (BPA)-induced Alzheimer's disease-like pathology through Akt-ERK crosstalk pathway in male rats
Khalifa M, Fayed RH, Ahmed YH, Abdelhameed MF, Essa AF and Khalil HMA
This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of ferulic acid (FA) against bisphenol A (BPA) induced Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in male rats.