2021
Sex Differences in the Ventral Tegmental Area and Nucleus Accumbens Proteome at Baseline and Following Nicotine Exposure
Lee AM, Mansuri MS, Wilson RS, Lam TT, Nairn AC, Picciotto MR. Sex Differences in the Ventral Tegmental Area and Nucleus Accumbens Proteome at Baseline and Following Nicotine Exposure. Frontiers In Molecular Neuroscience 2021, 14: 657064. PMID: 34335180, PMCID: PMC8317211, DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.657064.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchVentral tegmental areaC3H/HeJ miceGlial fibrillary acidic proteinChronic nicotine administrationNicotine administrationProtein abundanceProteomeIsobaric labelingNicotine exposureFemale miceTegmental areaHeJ miceNucleus accumbensNicotine addictionProteinSex differencesSample fractionationPathwayFibrillary acidic proteinTandem mass spectrometryNetwork analysisMouse strainsChronic nicotineMesolimbic systemNicotine reward
2013
Galanin‐induced decreases in nucleus accumbens/striatum excitatory postsynaptic potentials and morphine conditioned place preference require both galanin receptor 1 and galanin receptor 2
Einstein EB, Asaka Y, Yeckel MF, Higley MJ, Picciotto MR. Galanin‐induced decreases in nucleus accumbens/striatum excitatory postsynaptic potentials and morphine conditioned place preference require both galanin receptor 1 and galanin receptor 2. European Journal Of Neuroscience 2013, 37: 1541-1549. PMID: 23387435, PMCID: PMC3648588, DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12151.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsExcitatory postsynaptic potentialsAbility of galaninSame receptor subtypeReceptor subtypesKnockout miceMorphine CPPPostsynaptic potentialsPlace preferenceAmplitude of EPSPsGalanin receptor 1Galanin receptor subtypesGalanin receptor 2Striatal brain slicesWild-type miceWhole-cell recordingsPotential cellular mechanismsNeuropeptide galaninEPSP amplitudeOpiate rewardBrain slicesNucleus accumbensDorsal striatumExcitatory signalingGalaninReceptor 2
2012
The Synaptic Adhesion Molecule SynCAM 1 Contributes to Cocaine Effects on Synapse Structure and Psychostimulant Behavior
Giza JI, Jung Y, Jeffrey RA, Neugebauer NM, Picciotto MR, Biederer T. The Synaptic Adhesion Molecule SynCAM 1 Contributes to Cocaine Effects on Synapse Structure and Psychostimulant Behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012, 38: 628-638. PMID: 23169347, PMCID: PMC3572459, DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.226.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNucleus accumbensDrugs of abuseSynCAM 1Cocaine effectsSynapse structureMushroom-type spinesExcitatory synapse numberMedium spiny neuronsAddiction-related behaviorsKO miceSpiny neuronsStubby spinesSynapse numberAdhesion molecule proteinsExcitatory synapsesCocaine administrationTrans-synaptic interactionsKnockout micePsychostimulant effectsNAc synapsesStructural remodelingTherapeutic interventionsSynaptic cleftPsychostimulant cocaineSynapse developmentConstitutive knockout of the membrane cytoskeleton protein beta adducin decreases mushroom spine density in the nucleus accumbens but does not prevent spine remodeling in response to cocaine
Jung Y, Mulholland PJ, Wiseman SL, Chandler LJ, Picciotto MR. Constitutive knockout of the membrane cytoskeleton protein beta adducin decreases mushroom spine density in the nucleus accumbens but does not prevent spine remodeling in response to cocaine. European Journal Of Neuroscience 2012, 37: 1-9. PMID: 23106536, PMCID: PMC3538958, DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12037.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNucleus accumbensCocaine administrationSpine densitySynaptic plasticityMature mushroom-shaped spinesMushroom spine densityDaily cocaine administrationMushroom-shaped spinesChronic cocaine administrationOverall spine densityElevated locomotor activityExperience-dependent remodelingLipophilic dye DiINAc slicesWT miceMushroom spinesKO miceCocaine treatmentDiolistic labelingSynaptic remodelingBrain slicesBrain areasConstitutive knockoutMature spinesLocomotor activity
2008
Effects of galanin on cocaine-mediated conditioned place preference and ERK signaling in mice
Narasimhaiah R, Kamens HM, Picciotto MR. Effects of galanin on cocaine-mediated conditioned place preference and ERK signaling in mice. Psychopharmacology 2008, 204: 95-102. PMID: 19099295, PMCID: PMC2872184, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1438-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVentral tegmental areaEffects of galaninNucleus accumbensNeuropeptide galaninPlace preferenceThreshold doseEffects of morphineMesolimbic dopamine systemMesolimbic dopaminergic pathwaySystemic cocaine injectionPlace preference paradigmCocaine-induced activationDrugs of abuseAmphetamine reinforcementWild-type controlsExtracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activityTegmental areaCocaine injectionCocaine responseDopaminergic pathwaysConclusionsThese dataGalaninRewarding effectsDopamine systemDrug reinforcementVoluntary oral nicotine intake in mice down-regulates GluR2 but does not modulate depression-like behaviors
Vieyra-Reyes P, Picciotto MR, Mineur YS. Voluntary oral nicotine intake in mice down-regulates GluR2 but does not modulate depression-like behaviors. Neuroscience Letters 2008, 434: 18-22. PMID: 18261852, PMCID: PMC2757003, DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.01.021.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdministration, OralAnimalsAnxiety DisordersBehavior, AnimalBrainCyclic AMP Response Element-Binding ProteinDepressive DisorderDown-RegulationGlutamic AcidMaleMiceMice, Inbred BALB CMice, Inbred C57BLMotor ActivityNeural PathwaysNicotineNicotinic AgonistsNucleus AccumbensReceptors, AMPARewardSynaptic TransmissionTobacco Use DisorderVentral Tegmental AreaVolitionConceptsCAMP response element-binding proteinDepression-like behaviorVentral tegmental areaNucleus accumbensMesolimbic systemNicotine preferenceChronic nicotine exposureDepression-related behaviorsNon-treated animalsBALB/cOral nicotine intakeCentral nervous systemResponse element-binding proteinNicotine exposureNicotine rewardMesolimbic dopamine projectionsTegmental areaNicotine intakeGlutamate receptorsDopamine projectionsElement-binding proteinNervous systemLocomotor activityMice C57BL/6JGluR1 levels
2007
Galanin Protects Against Behavioral and Neurochemical Correlates of Opiate Reward
Hawes JJ, Brunzell DH, Narasimhaiah R, Langel Ű, Wynick D, Picciotto MR. Galanin Protects Against Behavioral and Neurochemical Correlates of Opiate Reward. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007, 33: 1864-1873. PMID: 17957220, PMCID: PMC2504505, DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301579.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsBehavior, AnimalBlotting, WesternBrain ChemistryConditioning, OperantCyclic AMP Response Element-Binding ProteinDose-Response Relationship, DrugExtracellular Signal-Regulated MAP KinasesGalaninGenotypeMiceMice, KnockoutMorphineMorphine DependenceMotor ActivityNarcoticsRewardSignal TransductionConceptsGKO miceMorphine place preferenceOpiate rewardGalanin agonistsMorphine administrationPlace preferenceGalanin knockout miceSingle systemic injectionEndogenous negative regulatorDrugs of abuseAcute administrationNeurochemical effectsNeuropeptide galaninPeripheral injectionWithdrawal signsLocomotor activationSystemic injectionNeurochemical correlatesNucleus accumbensGalaninKnockout miceTherapeutic targetBrain areasDrug reinforcementGalnon
2006
Differential effects of nicotinic antagonists perfused into the nucleus accumbens or the ventral tegmental area on cocaine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens of mice
Zanetti L, Picciotto MR, Zoli M. Differential effects of nicotinic antagonists perfused into the nucleus accumbens or the ventral tegmental area on cocaine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens of mice. Psychopharmacology 2006, 190: 189. PMID: 17061109, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0598-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsIntra-VTA perfusionVentral tegmental areaDA levelsNucleus accumbensCocaine-elicited increasesPerfusate levelsTegmental areaCocaine-induced dopamine releaseNicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonistMesolimbic DA neuronsDihydro-β-erythroidineAcetylcholine receptor antagonistEffects of cocaineMesolimbic dopamine systemSubtype-specific mannerDA neuronsNAChR antagonistIntracerebral microdialysisNicotinic antagonistsReceptor antagonistNicotinic pathwayLocal perfusionDopamine releaseDopamine systemPerfusionGhrelin modulates the activity and synaptic input organization of midbrain dopamine neurons while promoting appetite
Abizaid A, Liu ZW, Andrews ZB, Shanabrough M, Borok E, Elsworth JD, Roth RH, Sleeman MW, Picciotto MR, Tschöp MH, Gao XB, Horvath TL. Ghrelin modulates the activity and synaptic input organization of midbrain dopamine neurons while promoting appetite. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2006, 116: 3229-3239. PMID: 17060947, PMCID: PMC1618869, DOI: 10.1172/jci29867.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAction PotentialsAnimalsAppetiteDopamineFluorescent Antibody TechniqueGhrelinMaleMesencephalonMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, KnockoutNeuronsNucleus AccumbensPatch-Clamp TechniquesPeptide HormonesRatsRats, Sprague-DawleyReceptors, GhrelinReceptors, G-Protein-CoupledTime FactorsVentral Tegmental AreaConceptsVentral tegmental areaGHSR-deficient miceGHSR-dependent mannerGut hormone ghrelinDopamine neuronal activityMidbrain dopamine neuronsMesolimbic reward circuitrySynaptic input organizationPeripheral ghrelinRebound feedingVTA administrationOrexigenic effectDopamine turnoverGHSR antagonistDopamine neuronsHypothalamic centersTegmental areaHormone ghrelinNucleus accumbensGhrelinNeuronal activitySynapse formationReward circuitryInput organizationFeeding scheduleCocaine self-administration and locomotor sensitization are not altered in CART knockout mice
Steiner RC, Hsiung HM, Picciotto MR. Cocaine self-administration and locomotor sensitization are not altered in CART knockout mice. Behavioural Brain Research 2006, 171: 56-62. PMID: 16621045, DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2006.03.022.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsKnockout miceLocomotor sensitizationCocaine-induced locomotor sensitizationAmphetamine-regulated transcriptEffects of psychostimulantsRange of dosesAcute cocaineBone resorptionAmphetamine injectionsNucleus accumbensIntravenous cocaineIntact animalsMiceCocaineSchedule of reinforcementInsulin regulationCART geneSensitizationWild-type siblingsPhysiological functionsRegulatory roleStriatumAccumbensPsychostimulantsRatsGalanin attenuates cyclic AMP regulatory element‐binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation induced by chronic morphine and naloxone challenge in Cath.a cells and primary striatal cultures
Hawes JJ, Narasimhaiah R, Picciotto MR. Galanin attenuates cyclic AMP regulatory element‐binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation induced by chronic morphine and naloxone challenge in Cath.a cells and primary striatal cultures. Journal Of Neurochemistry 2006, 96: 1160-1168. PMID: 16417577, DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03613.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpiate withdrawalAdditional potential therapeutic targetsChronic opiate administrationPotential therapeutic targetPrimary striatal culturesExtracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylationElement-Binding Protein PhosphorylationCAMP regulatory element-binding proteinKinase 1/2 phosphorylationGalanin treatmentMorphine administrationChronic morphineGalanin receptorsNeuropeptide galaninOpiate administrationNaloxone challengeStriatal neuronsLocus coeruleusSomatic signsNucleus accumbensStriatal culturesRegulatory element-binding proteinTherapeutic targetElement-binding proteinMolecular alterations
2004
Characterization of GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3 immunoreactivity in catecholaminergic nuclei of the mouse brain
Hawes JJ, Picciotto MR. Characterization of GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3 immunoreactivity in catecholaminergic nuclei of the mouse brain. The Journal Of Comparative Neurology 2004, 479: 410-423. PMID: 15514977, DOI: 10.1002/cne.20329.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsBrainCatecholaminesGalaninImmunohistochemistryLocus CoeruleusMiceNeural PathwaysNeuronsNucleus AccumbensOpioid-Related DisordersReceptor, Galanin, Type 1Receptor, Galanin, Type 2Receptor, Galanin, Type 3Receptors, GalaninRewardSubstantia NigraTyrosine 3-MonooxygenaseVentral Tegmental AreaConceptsVentral tegmental areaSubstantia nigraLocus coeruleusNucleus accumbensGalanin receptorsBrain areasMouse brainDistribution of immunoreactivityNoradrenergic transmissionGalanin bindingOpiate withdrawalTegmental areaCatecholaminergic nucleiTyrosine hydroxylaseDopamine neurotransmissionGalR1GalR2GalR3BrainProtein levelsDrug addictionGalaninImmunoreactivityReceptorsCoeruleus
2003
In vivo nicotine treatment regulates mesocorticolimbic CREB and ERK signaling in C57Bl/6J mice
Brunzell DH, Russell DS, Picciotto MR. In vivo nicotine treatment regulates mesocorticolimbic CREB and ERK signaling in C57Bl/6J mice. Journal Of Neurochemistry 2003, 84: 1431-1441. PMID: 12614343, DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01640.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdministration, OralAmygdalaAnimalsCotinineCyclic AMP Response Element-Binding ProteinDrug Administration ScheduleLimbic SystemMaleMesencephalonMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMitogen-Activated Protein KinasesNicotineNicotinic AgonistsNucleus AccumbensPhosphorylationPrefrontal CortexSignal TransductionTobacco Use DisorderVentral Tegmental AreaConceptsCAMP response element-binding proteinChronic nicotine exposureChronic nicotineNicotine exposurePrefrontal cortexC57BL/6J miceTyrosine hydroxylaseNicotine dependenceCREB phosphorylationVentral tegmental areaCREB activityResponse element-binding proteinCatecholaminergic toneNicotine treatmentNicotine withdrawalNicotine reinforcementTegmental areaNucleus accumbensNeuronal plasticityElement-binding proteinDrug reinforcementChronic exposureTH levelsNeural plasticityWestern blotting
2001
Effects of nicotine pretreatment on dopaminergic and behavioral responses to conditioned fear stress in rats: dissociation of biochemical and behavioral effects
George T, Picciotto M, Verrico C, Roth R. Effects of nicotine pretreatment on dopaminergic and behavioral responses to conditioned fear stress in rats: dissociation of biochemical and behavioral effects. Biological Psychiatry 2001, 49: 300-306. PMID: 11230881, DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(00)00928-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsConditioned fear stressNicotine pretreatmentMedial prefrontal cortexFear stressDopamine metabolismNucleus accumbensPrefrontal cortexAcute footshock stressImmobility responseBehavioral responsesCortical dopaminergicDopamine utilizationCortical dopamineNicotine exposureFootshock stressNicotine dependenceAnxiolytic activityConditioned fear paradigmNicotine differsDay 21Psychological stressorsBehavioral effectsDopaminergicClinical contextPreferential activation
1999
Expression of the transcription factor ΔFosB in the brain controls sensitivity to cocaine
Kelz M, Chen J, Carlezon W, Whisler K, Gilden L, Beckmann A, Steffen C, Zhang Y, Marotti L, Self D, Tkatch T, Baranauskas G, Surmeier D, Neve R, Duman R, Picciotto M, Nestler E. Expression of the transcription factor ΔFosB in the brain controls sensitivity to cocaine. Nature 1999, 401: 272-276. PMID: 10499584, DOI: 10.1038/45790.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNucleus accumbensGlutamate receptor subunit GluR2Locomotor-activating effectsFos family transcription factorsTranscription factor ΔFosBDrugs of abuseΔFosB expressionAcute exposureTransgenic miceChronic exposureSubunit GluR2ΔFosBCocaine addictionAccumbensCocainePersistent expressionTranscription factorsSustained accumulationBrainExposureStable isoformSubset of nucleiExpressionGene expressionMorphineCentrally administered galanin blocks morphine place preference in the mouse
Zachariou V, Parikh K, Picciotto M. Centrally administered galanin blocks morphine place preference in the mouse. Brain Research 1999, 831: 33-42. PMID: 10411981, DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(99)01476-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNucleus accumbensMorphine reinforcementLocus coeruleusSpinal cordPlace preferenceAcute naltrexone administrationGalanin binding sitesQuantitative receptor autoradiographyVentral tegmental areaMorphine place preferencePlace preference paradigmGalaninergic systemMorphine treatmentPeripheral administrationNaltrexone administrationReceptor autoradiographyGalanin bindingOpioid receptorsTegmental areaNeuroendocrine functionGalaninBrain areasDrug dependenceMorphineAversive properties