Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists in Group-Housed Cynomolgus Monkeys Who Drink Ethanol.

The cognitive impairments that are often observed in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) partially contribute to the extremely low rates of treatment initiation and adherence. Brain acetylcholine receptors (AChR) mediate and modulate cognitive and reward-related behavior, and their distribution can be altered by long-term heavy drinking. Therefore, AChRs are promising pharmacotherapeutic targets for treating the cognitive symptoms of AUD. In the present study, the procognitive efficacy of two AChR agonists, xanomeline and varenicline, were evaluated in group-housed monkeys who self-administered ethanol for more than 1 year. The muscarinic AChR antagonist scopolamine was used to disrupt performance of a serial stimulus discrimination and reversal (SDR) task designed to probe cognitive flexibility, defined as the ability to modify a previously learned behavior in response to a change in reinforcement contingencies. The ability of xanomeline and varenicline to remediate the disruptive effects of scopolamine was compared between socially dominant and subordinate monkeys, with lighter and heavier drinking histories, respectively. We hypothesized that subordinate monkeys would be more sensitive to all three drugs. Scopolamine dose-dependently impaired performance on the serial SDR task in all monkeys at doses lower than those that produced nonspecific impairments (e.g., sedation); its potency did not differ between dominant and subordinate monkeys. However, both AChR agonists were effective in remediating the scopolamine-induced deficit in subordinate monkeys but not in dominant monkeys. These findings suggest xanomeline and varenicline may be effective for enhancing cognitive flexibility in individuals with a history of heavy drinking. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Procognitive effects of two acetylcholine (ACh) receptor agonists were assessed in group-housed monkeys who had several years' experience drinking ethanol. The muscarinic ACh receptor agonist xanomeline and the nicotinic ACh receptor agonist varenicline reversed a cognitive deficit induced by the muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist scopolamine. However, this effect was observed only in lower-ranking (subordinate) monkeys and not higher-ranking (dominant monkeys). Results suggest that ACh agonists may effectively remediate alcohol-induced cognitive deficits in a subpopulation of those with alcohol use disorder.

Alpha-ethyltryptamines as dual dopamine-serotonin releasers.

The dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) transporter releasing activity and serotonin-2A (5-HT2A) receptor agonist activity of a series of substituted tryptamines are reported. Three compounds, 7b, (+)-7d and 7f, were found to be potent dual DA/5-HT releasers and were >10-fold less potent as NE releasers. Additionally, these compounds had different activity profiles at the 5-HT2A receptor. The unique combination of dual DA/5-HT releasing activity and 5-HT2A receptor activity suggests that these compounds could represent a new class of neurotransmitter releasers with therapeutic potential.

mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptor negative allosteric modulators attenuate the interoceptive effects of alcohol in male and female rats.

RATIONALE: The subjective effects of alcohol are associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) vulnerability and treatment outcomes. The interoceptive effects of alcohol are part of these subjective effects and can be measured in animal models using drug discrimination procedures. The newly developed mGlu2 and mGlu3 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) are potential therapeutics for AUD and may alter interoceptive sensitivity to alcohol. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of mGlu2 and mGlu3 NAMs on the interoceptive effects of alcohol in rats. METHODS: Long-Evans rats were trained to discriminate the interoceptive stimulus effects of alcohol (2.0 g/kg, i.g.) from water using both operant (males only) and Pavlovian (male and female) drug discrimination techniques. Following acquisition training, an alcohol dose-response (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 g/kg) experiment was conducted to confirm stimulus control over behavior. Next, to test the involvement of mGlu2 and mGlu3, rats were pretreated with the mGlu2-NAM (VU6001966; 0, 3, 6, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) or the mGlu3-NAM (VU6010572; 0, 3, 6, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) before alcohol administration (2.0 g/kg, i.g.). RESULTS: In Pavlovian discrimination, male rats showed greater interoceptive sensitivity to 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg alcohol compared to female rats. Both mGlu2-NAM and mGlu3-NAM attenuated the interoceptive effects of alcohol in male and female rats using Pavlovian and operant discrimination. There may be a potential sex difference in response to the mGlu2-NAM at the highest dose tested. CONCLUSIONS: Male rats may be more sensitive to the interoceptive effects of the 2.0 g/kg alcohol training dose compared to female rats. Both mGlu2-and mGlu3-NAM attenuate the interoceptive effects of alcohol in male and female rats. These drugs may have potential for treatment of AUD in part by blunting the subjective effects of alcohol.

Structure-activity relationships for locomotor stimulant effects and monoamine transporter interactions of substituted amphetamines and cathinones.

Substitutions to the phenethylamine structure give rise to numerous amphetamines and cathinones, contributing to an ever-growing number of abused novel psychoactive substances. Understanding how various substitutions affect the pharmacology of phenethylamines may help lawmakers and scientists predict the effects of newly emerging drugs. Here, we established structure-activity relationships for locomotor stimulant and monoamine transporter effects of 12 phenethylamines with combinations of para-chloro, ß-keto, N-methyl, or N-ethyl additions. Automated photobeam analysis was used to evaluate effects of drugs on ambulatory activity in mice, whereas in vitro assays were used to determine activities at transporters for dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET), and 5-HT (SERT) in rat brain synaptosomes. In mouse studies, all compounds stimulated locomotion, except for 4-chloro-N-ethylcathinone. Amphetamines were more potent stimulants than their ß-keto counterparts, while para-chloro amphetamines tended to be more efficacious than unsubstituted amphetamines. Para-chloro compounds also produced lethality at doses on the ascending limbs of their locomotor dose-effect functions. The in vitro assays showed that all compounds inhibited uptake at DAT, NET, and SERT, with most compounds also acting as substrates (i.e., releasers) at these sites. Unsubstituted compounds displayed better potency at DAT and NET relative to SERT. Para-chloro substitution or increased N-alkyl chain length augmented relative potency at SERT, while combined para-chloro and N-ethyl substitutions reduced releasing effects at NET and DAT. These results demonstrate orderly SAR for locomotor stimulant effects, monoamine transporter activities, and lethality induced by phenethylamines. Importantly, 4-chloro compounds produce toxicity in mice that suggests serious risk to humans using these drugs in recreational contexts.

Distinct Effects of Methamphetamine Isomers on Limbic Norepinephrine and Dopamine Transmission in the Rat Brain.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant that primarily exerts its effects on the catecholamine (dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE)) systems, which are implicated in drug addiction. METH exists as two distinct enantiomers, dextrorotatory (d) and levorotatory (l). In contrast to d-METH, the major component of illicit METH used to induce states of euphoria and alertness, l-METH is available without prescription as a nasal decongestant and has been highlighted as a potential agonist replacement therapy to treat stimulant use disorder. However, little is known regarding l-METH's effects on central catecholamine transmission and behavior. In this study, we used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to elucidate how METH isomers impact NE and DA transmission in two limbic structures, the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBNST) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), respectively, of anesthetized rats. In addition, the dose-dependent effects of METH isomers on locomotion were characterized. d-METH (0.5, 2.0, 5.0 mg/kg) enhanced both electrically evoked vBNST-NE and NAc-DA concentrations and locomotion. Alternatively, l-METH increased electrically evoked NE concentration with minimal effects on DA regulation (release and clearance) and locomotion at lower doses (0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg). Furthermore, a high dose (5.0 mg/kg) of d-METH but not l-METH elevated baseline NE and DA concentrations. These results suggest mechanistic differences between NE and DA regulation by the METH isomers. Moreover, l-METH's asymmetric regulation of NE relative to DA may have distinct implications in behaviors and addiction, which will set the neurochemical framework for future studies examining l-METH as a potential treatment for stimulant use disorders.

Overcoming reduced antibiotic susceptibility in intracellular Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium using AR-12.

Host-directed therapies (HDTs) could enhance the activity of traditional antibiotics. AR-12 is a promising HDT against intracellular pathogens including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and has been shown to act through modulation of autophagy and the Akt kinase pathway. Since AR-12 does not inhibit the growth of planktonic bacteria but only works in conjunction with the infected host-cell, we hypothesized that AR-12 could enhance the activity of antibiotics in less-susceptible strains in the intracellular host environment. We found that repetitive passaging of S. typhimurium in macrophages in the absence of antibiotics led to a 4-fold reduction in their intracellular susceptibility to streptomycin (STR), but had no effect on the bacteria's sensitivity to AR-12. Moreover, when the host-passaged strains were treated with a combined therapy of AR-12 and STR, there was a significant reduction of intracellular bacterial burden compared to STR monotherapy. Additionally, co-treatment of macrophages infected with multi-drug resistant S. typhimurium with AR-12 and STR or ampicillin showed enhanced clearance of the intracellular bacteria. The drug combination did not elicit this effect on planktonic bacteria. Overall, AR-12 enhanced the clearance of less susceptible S. typhimurium in an intracellular environment.

Effects of the mGluR2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 on the reinforcing strength of cocaine in rhesus monkeys.

RATIONALE: Because chronic cocaine exposure produces profound effects on brain glutamate function, this system has been investigated as a target for novel medications for cocaine use disorder. Studies in animal models have provided encouraging results for drugs that target metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR), particularly group II mGluRs which includes mGluR2 and mGluR3 receptors. OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the effects of the mGluR2/3 receptor-selective agonist, (-)-2-oxa-4-aminobicylco hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY379268), in male rhesus monkeys self-administering cocaine under two procedures that assess the strength of cocaine as a reinforcer. METHODS AND RESULTS: In four monkeys, acute effects of LY379268 on food and cocaine self-administration were characterized using a multiple 10-response fixed-ratio food, progressive-ratio cocaine schedule of reinforcement. Maximum injections were delivered when the available cocaine dose was 0.01-0.1 mg/kg. When monkeys self-administered 0.03 mg/kg per injection cocaine, LY379268 (0.001-0.56 mg/kg, i.v.), increased cocaine injections and disrupted food-maintained responding. Another group of monkeys (n = 3) responded under a food-cocaine choice procedure in which a dose-effect curve for self-administered cocaine (0.0, 0.003-0.1 mg/kg per injection) was generated daily. Acute LY379268 (0.01-0.1 mg.kg, i.v.) produced a shift in allocation of responding towards cocaine without affecting the total reinforcers delivered. When treatment was extended to 5 consecutive days, tolerance developed to LY379268-induced increases in cocaine choice. CONCLUSIONS: These data from two complimentary nonhuman primate models of cocaine use disorder are consistently negative with respect to the potential of LY379268 as a pharmacotherapy for reducing ongoing cocaine use.

The dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine releasing activities of a series of methcathinone analogs in male rat brain synaptosomes.

RATIONALE: Novel synthetic "bath salt" cathinones continue to appear on the street as abused and addictive drugs. The range of subjective experiences produced by different cathinones suggests that some compounds have primarily dopaminergic activity (possible stimulants) while others have primarily serotonergic activity (possible empathogenics). An understanding of the structure activity relationships (SARs) of these compounds will help in assessing the likely behavioral effects of future novel structures, and to define potential therapeutic strategies to reverse any reinforcing effects. OBJECTIVES: A series of methcathinone analogs was systematically studied for their activity at the dopamine and serotonin transporters. Compound structures varied at the aromatic group, either by substituent or by replacement of the phenyl ring with a naphthalene or indole ring. METHODS: A novel, high-yielding synthesis of methcathinone hydrochlorides was developed which avoids isolation of the unstable free bases. Neurotransmitter transporter release activity was determined in rat brain synaptosomes as previously reported. Compounds were also screened for activity at the norepinephrine transporter. RESULTS: Twenty-eight methcathinone analogs were analyzed and fully characterized in dopamine and serotonin transporter release assays. Compounds substituted at the 2-position (ortho) were primarily dopaminergic. Compounds substituted at the 3-position (meta) were found to be much less dopaminergic, with some substituents favoring serotonergic activity. Compounds substituted at the 4-position (para) were found to be far more serotonergic, as were disubstituted compounds and other large aromatic groups. One exception was the fluoro-substituted analogs which seem to favor the dopamine transporter. CONCLUSIONS: The dopaminergic to serotonergic ratio can be manipulated by choice of substituent and location on the aromatic ring. It is therefore likely possible to tweak the subjective and reinforcing effects of these compounds by adjusting their structure. Certain substituents like a fluoro group tend to favor the dopamine transporter, while others like a trifluoromethyl group favor the serotonin transporter.

Interaction of psychoactive tryptamines with biogenic amine transporters and serotonin receptor subtypes.

RATIONALE: Synthetic hallucinogenic tryptamines, especially those originally described by Alexander Shulgin, continue to be abused in the USA. The range of subjective experiences produced by different tryptamines suggests that multiple neurochemical mechanisms are involved in their actions, in addition to the established role of agonist activity at serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the interaction of a series of synthetic tryptamines with biogenic amine neurotransmitter transporters and with serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes implicated in psychedelic effects. METHODS: Neurotransmitter transporter activity was determined in rat brain synaptosomes. Receptor activity was determined using calcium mobilization and DiscoveRx PathHunter assays in HEK293, Gα16-CHO, and CHOk1 cells transfected with human receptors. RESULTS: Twenty-one tryptamines were analyzed in transporter uptake and release assays, and 5-HT2A, serotonin 1A (5-HT1A), and 5-HT2A ß-arrestin functional assays. Eight of the compounds were found to have 5-HT-releasing activity. Thirteen compounds were found to be 5-HT uptake inhibitors or were inactive. All tryptamines were 5-HT2A agonists with a range of potencies and efficacies, but only a few compounds were 5-HT1A agonists. Most tryptamines recruited ß-arrestin through 5-HT2A activation. CONCLUSIONS: All psychoactive tryptamines are 5-HT2A agonists, but 5-HT transporter (SERT) activity may contribute significantly to the pharmacology of certain compounds. The in vitro transporter data confirm structure-activity trends for releasers and uptake inhibitors whereby releasers tend to be structurally smaller compounds. Interestingly, two tertiary amines were found to be selective substrates at SERT, which dispels the notion that 5-HT-releasing activity is limited only to primary or secondary amines.

Hybrid dopamine uptake blocker-serotonin releaser ligands: a new twist on transporter-focused therapeutics.

As part of our program to study neurotransmitter releasers, we report herein a class of hybrid dopamine reuptake inhibitors that display serotonin releasing activity. Hybrid compounds are interesting since they increase the design potential of transporter related compounds and hence represent a novel and unexplored strategy for therapeutic drug discovery. A series of N-alkylpropiophenones was synthesized and assessed for uptake inhibition and release activity using rat brain synaptosomes. Substitution on the aromatic ring yielded compounds that maintained hybrid activity, with the two disubstituted analogues (PAL-787 and PAL-820) having the most potent hybrid activity.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of bupropion analogues as potential pharmacotherapies for cocaine addiction.

A series of bupropion (1a) analogues (1b-1ff) were synthesized, and their in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties evaluated with the goal of developing a 1a analogue that had better properties for treating addictions. Their in vitro pharmacological properties were examined by [(3)H]dopamine ([(3)H]DA), [(3)H]serotonin ([(3)H]5HT), and [(3)H]norepinephrine ([(3)H]NE) uptake inhibition studies, and by binding studies at the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters using [(125)I]RTI-55 in cloned transporters. Several analogues showed increased [(3)H]DA uptake inhibition with reduced or little change in [(3)H]5HT and [(3)H]NE uptake inhibition relative to bupropion. Thirty-five analogues were evaluated in a 1 h locomotor activity observation test and 32 in an 8 h locomotor activity observation test and compared to the locomotor activity of cocaine. Twenty-four analogues were evaluated for generalization to cocaine drug discrimination after i.p. administration, and twelve analogues were tested in a time course cocaine discrimination study using oral administration. 2-(N-Cyclopropylamino)-3-chloropropiophenone (1x) had the most favorable in vitro efficacy and in vivo pharmacological profile for an indirect dopamine agonist pharmacotherapy for treating cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine, and other drugs of abuse addiction.