Featured Publications
Pharmacological modulation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in a mouse model of mecamylamine-precipitated nicotine withdrawal
Jackson A, Papke RL, Damaj MI. Pharmacological modulation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in a mouse model of mecamylamine-precipitated nicotine withdrawal. Psychopharmacology 2018, 235: 1897-1905. PMID: 29549391, PMCID: PMC6015775, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4879-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPositive allosteric modulatorsΑ7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptorMecamylamine-precipitated nicotine withdrawalNicotine withdrawal behaviorsNicotine withdrawalNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsSomatic signsPharmacological modulationNon-selective nAChR antagonist mecamylamineAcetylcholine receptorsNicotine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesiaWithdrawal-induced hyperalgesiaDose-related fashionNicotine withdrawal signsNAChR antagonist mecamylamineAnxiety-like behaviorAntagonist mecamylamineWithdrawal signsPreclinical dataNicotine rewardΑ7 nAChRsAgonist PNU282987Mouse modelWithdrawal behaviorAllosteric modulators
2022
Pharmacological characterization of 5-iodo-A-85380, a β2-selective nicotinic receptor agonist, in mice
Akinola LS, Bagdas D, Alkhlaif Y, Jackson A, Gurdap CO, Rahimpour E, Carroll FI, Papke RL, Damaj MI. Pharmacological characterization of 5-iodo-A-85380, a β2-selective nicotinic receptor agonist, in mice. Journal Of Psychopharmacology 2022, 36: 1280-1293. PMID: 36321267, PMCID: PMC9817006, DOI: 10.1177/02698811221132214.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNicotinic receptor agonistsReceptor agonistNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsLow sensitivityPharmacological characterizationΑ4β2 receptorsNicotine dependenceNicotinic subunitsPlace preferenceΑ4β2 nAChRsAcetylcholine receptorsPartial agonistFull agonistAgonistsDifferential efficacyBehavioral effectsNeurodegenerative diseasesSubtypesPathological conditionsNAChRsPotential targetPotential roleHypothermiaReceptorsΑ6
2021
Potentiation of (α4)2(β2)3, but not (α4)3(β2)2, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors reduces nicotine self-administration and withdrawal symptoms
Hamouda AK, Bautista MR, Akinola LS, Alkhlaif Y, Jackson A, Carper M, Toma WB, Garai S, Chen YC, Thakur GA, Fowler CD, Damaj MI. Potentiation of (α4)2(β2)3, but not (α4)3(β2)2, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors reduces nicotine self-administration and withdrawal symptoms. Neuropharmacology 2021, 190: 108568. PMID: 33878302, PMCID: PMC8169606, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108568.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPositive allosteric modulatorsWithdrawal symptomsHypothermic effectMale miceAntinociceptive effectΑ4β2 nAChRsNicotine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesiaNAChR isoformsNicotine's antinociceptive effectsWithdrawal-induced hyperalgesiaNicotine withdrawal symptomsNicotine addiction treatmentAnxiety-like behaviorNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsDose-dependent mannerNociceptive responsesNicotine withdrawalNicotine intakeSomatic signsNicotine abstinencePharmacological effectsNicotine useAcetylcholine receptorsAffective symptomsPathophysiological processes
2020
Impact of menthol on nicotine intake and preference in mice: Concentration, sex, and age differences
Bagdas D, Jackson A, Carper M, Chen RY, Akinola LS, Damaj MI. Impact of menthol on nicotine intake and preference in mice: Concentration, sex, and age differences. Neuropharmacology 2020, 179: 108274. PMID: 32827516, PMCID: PMC7572603, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108274.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOral nicotine consumptionEffect of mentholImpact of mentholNicotine consumptionFemale miceNicotine intakeΑ7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptorMenthol concentrationNicotine solutionHigher nicotine intakeAdolescent female miceMale C57BL/6J miceTwo-bottle choice paradigmWild-type miceNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsConcentration-dependent mannerOral nicotineC57BL/6J miceKO miceMale miceType miceMouse modelAcetylcholine receptorsHigh menthol concentrationAdult counterparts
2019
Impact of modulation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on nicotine reward in the mouse conditioned place preference test
Jackson A, Alkhlaif Y, Papke RL, Brunzell DH, Damaj MI. Impact of modulation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on nicotine reward in the mouse conditioned place preference test. Psychopharmacology 2019, 236: 3593-3599. PMID: 31302720, PMCID: PMC6895411, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05331-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPositive allosteric modulatorsΑ7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptorNicotine rewardNicotine CPPNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsΑ7 nAChRsAgonist PNU282987Acetylcholine receptorsPlace preference testMorphine CPPPharmacological modulationPharmacological agentsCPP paradigmPlace preferenceAllosteric modulatorsPNU282987MethodsThe effectsΑ7Beneficial effectsMiceSilent agonistPNU120596ObjectivesThis studyNS1738NS6740The α7 nicotinic receptor silent agonist R-47 prevents and reverses paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice without tolerance or altering nicotine reward and withdrawal
Toma W, Kyte SL, Bagdas D, Jackson A, Meade JA, Rahman F, Chen ZJ, Del Fabbro E, Cantwell L, Kulkarni A, Thakur GA, Papke RL, Bigbee JW, Gewirtz DA, Damaj MI. The α7 nicotinic receptor silent agonist R-47 prevents and reverses paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice without tolerance or altering nicotine reward and withdrawal. Experimental Neurology 2019, 320: 113010. PMID: 31299179, PMCID: PMC6708482, DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathyPeripheral neuropathyNicotine rewardPaclitaxel treatmentRewarding effectsTreatment of CIPNPaclitaxel-induced mechanical hypersensitivityTumor-bearing NSG micePaclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathyNon-small cell lung cancer cell linesCell lung cancer cell linesA549 non-small cell lung cancer cell lineMecamylamine-precipitated withdrawalAntitumor activityIntraepidermal nerve fibersLung cancer cell linesLung tumor growthNSCLC cell viabilityTumor-bearing miceIntrinsic rewarding effectsPlace preference testCancer cell linesConditioned place preference testMechanical hypersensitivityAgonist R
2018
New insights on the effects of varenicline on nicotine reward, withdrawal and hyperalgesia in mice
Bagdas D, Alkhlaif Y, Jackson A, Carroll FI, Ditre JW, Damaj MI. New insights on the effects of varenicline on nicotine reward, withdrawal and hyperalgesia in mice. Neuropharmacology 2018, 138: 72-79. PMID: 29860196, PMCID: PMC6054891, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.025.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsEffects of vareniclineNicotine withdrawal signsNicotine rewardΑ5 nAChRWithdrawal signsHigh doseKnockout miceΒ2-nAChRsNicotine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesiaAdministration of vareniclineWithdrawal-induced hyperalgesiaΑ7 knockout miceDose-related mannerNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsΑ5 knockout micePlace preference testVarenicline doseCessation treatmentNicotine withdrawalSomatic signsVareniclineΑ7 nAChRsMouse modelCPP testNicotinic subtypes
2017
Assessment of nicotine withdrawal-induced changes in sucrose preference in mice
Alkhlaif Y, Bagdas D, Jackson A, Park AJ, Damaj IM. Assessment of nicotine withdrawal-induced changes in sucrose preference in mice. Pharmacology Biochemistry And Behavior 2017, 161: 47-52. PMID: 28919072, PMCID: PMC6408212, DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.08.013.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnhedoniaAnimalsMaleMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, KnockoutNicotineNicotinic AgonistsSubstance Withdrawal SyndromeSucroseTobacco Use DisorderConceptsSucrose preference testNicotine withdrawalSpontaneous nicotine withdrawalLight-dark box testDark box testPositive affective stimuliSucrose preferenceAffective signsSmoking relapse ratesΑ6 KO miceSubcutaneous osmotic minipumpsWithdrawal-induced changesUnderlying neurobiological factorsPreference testRelapse rateOsmotic minipumpsKO miceTobacco useNicotine dependenceKnockout miceAnimal modelsNicotinic subunitsDay 15MiceDifferent dosesReversal of Nicotine Withdrawal Signs Through Positive Allosteric Modulation of α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Male Mice
Hamouda AK, Jackson A, Bagdas D, Damaj M. Reversal of Nicotine Withdrawal Signs Through Positive Allosteric Modulation of α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Male Mice. Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2017, 20: 903-907. PMID: 29059422, PMCID: PMC5991208, DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntx183.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNicotine withdrawal symptomsSpontaneous nicotine withdrawalNicotine withdrawal signsNicotine withdrawalWithdrawal symptomsPositive allosteric modulatorsCessation aidWithdrawal signsMale miceMouse modelAllosteric modulatorsNicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonistNAChR-positive allosteric modulatorsAcetylcholine receptor agonistDose-dependent reversalICR male miceΑ4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptorsPositive allosteric modulationAnxiety-like behaviorNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsPotential clinical useAcute injectionRelapse rateTobacco smokingDay infusionAllosteric modulation of α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Desformylflustrabromine potentiates antiallodynic response of nicotine in a mouse model of neuropathic pain
Bagdas D, Ergun D, Jackson A, Toma W, Schulte M, Damaj M. Allosteric modulation of α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Desformylflustrabromine potentiates antiallodynic response of nicotine in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. European Journal Of Pain 2017, 22: 84-93. PMID: 28809075, PMCID: PMC9829446, DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1092.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPositive allosteric modulatorsChronic neuropathic painNeuropathic painΑ4β2 nAChRsNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsAllosteric modulationAcetylcholine receptorsAntagonist dihydro-β-erythroidineNeuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptorsChronic constriction injuryEndogenous cholinergic toneNicotine-evoked responsesAnimal pain modelsNicotine-induced antinociceptionDihydro-β-erythroidineMediation of painAlternative treatment strategiesBehavior doseConstriction injuryAntiallodynic effectPain modelPain modulationCholinergic tonePain behaviorAntinociceptive propertiesIn vivo interactions between α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α: Implication for nicotine dependence
Jackson A, Bagdas D, Muldoon PP, Lichtman AH, Carroll FI, Greenwald M, Miles MF, Damaj MI. In vivo interactions between α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α: Implication for nicotine dependence. Neuropharmacology 2017, 118: 38-45. PMID: 28279662, PMCID: PMC5410388, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.005.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine ReceptorAnesthetics, LocalAnimalsBenzamidesBridged Bicyclo CompoundsCocaineConditioning, OperantDisease Models, AnimalFenofibrateHypolipidemic AgentsMaleMiceMice, Inbred ICRNicotineNicotinic AgonistsOxazolesPPAR alphaPyrimidinesSelf AdministrationSubstance Withdrawal SyndromeTobacco Use DisorderTyrosineConceptsNicotine dependenceNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsNicotine rewardΑ7 nAChRsNicotine CPPWY-14643Acetylcholine receptorsRewarding propertiesNuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorsΑ7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptorVentral tegmental area dopamine cellsEffect of α7Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorNicotine withdrawal signsSmoking cessation therapyChronic tobacco useCurrent smoking cessation therapiesPPARα antagonist GW6471Main addictive componentPPARα-dependent mannerProliferator-activated receptorNicotine rewarding propertiesPlace preference testHomomeric α7 nAChRsSelf-administration model
2016
Nicotine Enhances the Hypnotic and Hypothermic Effects of Alcohol in the Mouse
Slater CA, Jackson A, Muldoon PP, Dawson A, O'Brien M, Soll LG, Abdullah R, Carroll FI, Tapper AR, Miles MF, Banks ML, Bettinger JC, Damaj IM. Nicotine Enhances the Hypnotic and Hypothermic Effects of Alcohol in the Mouse. Alcohol Clinical And Experimental Research 2016, 40: 62-72. PMID: 26727524, PMCID: PMC4700556, DOI: 10.1111/acer.12918.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine ReceptorAnimalsAzetidinesBody TemperatureCentral Nervous System DepressantsDrug InteractionsEthanolHypnotics and SedativesHypothermiaKetamineMecamylamineMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, Inbred DBAMice, KnockoutNicotineNicotinic AgonistsNicotinic AntagonistsPentobarbitalPyridinesReceptors, NicotinicReflex, RightingVareniclineConceptsHypnotic effectsLORR testEtOH intakeReceptor efficacyAcute nicotine injectionDuration of EtOHNicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypesΑ7 knockout miceNicotinic partial agonist vareniclineAcetylcholine receptor subtypesEffects of nicotineNicotinic antagonist mecamylamineDevelopment of toleranceEffects of EtOHPartial agonist vareniclineAcute injectionAcute nicotineNicotine administrationNicotine exposureAntagonist mecamylamineNicotine injectionHypothermic effectNicotine effectsHypnotic propertiesPharmacological interactions
2015
Effects of orally-bioavailable short-acting kappa opioid receptor-selective antagonist LY2456302 on nicotine withdrawal in mice
Jackson KJ, Jackson A, Carroll FI, Damaj MI. Effects of orally-bioavailable short-acting kappa opioid receptor-selective antagonist LY2456302 on nicotine withdrawal in mice. Neuropharmacology 2015, 97: 270-274. PMID: 26044637, PMCID: PMC4537361, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.05.023.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNicotine withdrawal syndromeWithdrawal syndromeKOR antagonistsAnxiety-related behaviorNicotine withdrawalSomatic signsKappa Opioid Receptor SignalingSelective KOR antagonistAffective nicotine withdrawal signsNicotine withdrawal signsOpioid receptor signalingUseful therapeutic agentShort actingHotplate latencyWithdrawal signsPharmacodynamic profileClinical studiesMood disordersLY2456302Animal modelsPlace aversionDrug dependenceTherapeutic potentialDecreased expressionAntagonistIn Vitro and in Vivo Neuronal Nicotinic Receptor Properties of (+)- and (−)-Pyrido[3,4]homotropane [(+)- and (−)-PHT]: (+)-PHT Is a Potent and Selective Full Agonist at α6β2 Containing Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Carroll FI, Navarro H, Mascarella SW, Castro AH, Luetje CW, Wageman CR, Marks MJ, Jackson A, Damaj MI. In Vitro and in Vivo Neuronal Nicotinic Receptor Properties of (+)- and (−)-Pyrido[3,4]homotropane [(+)- and (−)-PHT]: (+)-PHT Is a Potent and Selective Full Agonist at α6β2 Containing Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. ACS Chemical Neuroscience 2015, 6: 920-926. PMID: 25891987, PMCID: PMC5589077, DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00077.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine ReceptorAnimalsConditioning, PsychologicalCorpus StriatumDopamineDose-Response Relationship, DrugMaleMice, Inbred ICRMolecular StructureNeuronsNicotinic AgonistsNicotinic AntagonistsPyridinesRatsReceptors, NicotinicSpatial BehaviorSynaptosomesTropanesXenopus laevisConceptsNicotinic antagonistsNeuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptorsLow efficacy partial agonistSelective full agonistHot plate testNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsPlace preference studiesNicotine rewardAntinociceptive activityΑ3β4 nAChRsΑ7 nAChRsElectrophysiological studiesΑ4β2 nAChRsAcetylcholine receptorsAgonist activityPartial agonistFull agonistNAChRsFull agonismPartial agonismAntagonistΑ4β2MiceReceptor propertiesHigh potency