guanosine-5--o-(3-thiotriphosphate) and Alcoholism

Biochemical, pharmacological and genetic evidence suggests the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in alcohol dependence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the state of CB1 receptors in post-mortem caudate nucleus, hippocampus and cerebellum of alcoholic subjects.CB1 protein levels were measured by Western blot, CB1 receptor density and affinity by [(3)H]WIN55,212-2 saturation assays and CB1 functionality by [(35)S]GTPγS binding assays. Experiments were performed in samples from 24 subjects classified as non-suicidal alcoholics (n = 6), suicidal alcoholics (n = 6), non-alcoholic suicide victims (n = 6) and control subjects (n = 6).Alcoholic subjects presented hyperfunctional CB1 receptors in the caudate nucleus resulting in a higher maximal effect in both alcoholic groups compared to the non-alcoholic groups (p < 0.001). Conversely, in the cerebellum the non-suicidal alcoholic subjects showed hypofunctional receptors with lower maximal effect and potency (p < 0.001). No changes were found in the CB1 protein expression in either region. In the hippocampus of alcoholic subjects, no changes were observed either in the functionality, density or protein levels.Our data support an association between endocannabinoid system activity and alcoholism. The modifications reported here could be either a consequence of high lifetime ethanol consumption or a vulnerability factor to develop alcohol addiction.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Benzoxazines; Case-Control Studies; Caudate Nucleus; Cerebellum; Female; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins; Hippocampus; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Morpholines; Naphthalenes; Postmortem Changes; Radioligand Assay; Radionuclide Imaging; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Suicide; Sulfur Radioisotopes; Tritium

Recent studies in rodents have suggested a role for the central endocannabinoid system in the regulation of mood and alcohol related behaviors. Alcohol use disorder is often associated with suicidal behavior. In the present study, we examined whether abnormalities in the endocannabinoid system in the ventral striatum are associated with alcohol dependence and suicide. The levels of CB1 receptors, receptor-mediated G-protein signaling, and activity and level of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) were analyzed postmortem in the ventral striatum of alcohol-dependent nonsuicides (CA, n=9), alcohol-dependent suicides (AS, n=9) and nonpsychiatric controls (C, n=9). All subjects underwent a psychological autopsy, and toxicological and neuropathological examinations. The levels of the CB1 receptors and the CB1 receptor-mediated G-protein signaling were significantly lower in the ventral striatum of CA compared to the control group. However, these parameters were elevated in AS when compared to CA group. The activity of FAAH enzyme was lower in CA compared to the control group while it was found to be significantly higher in AS compared with CA group. These findings suggest that alcohol dependence is associated with the downregulation of the CB1 receptors, while suicide is linked to the upregulation of these receptors in the ventral striatum. Alteration in the activity of FAAH enzyme that regulates the anandamide (AEA) content might in turn explain differences in the CB1 receptor function in alcohol dependence and suicide. These findings may have etiological and therapeutic implications for the treatment of alcohol addiction and suicidal behavior.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Amidohydrolases; Analysis of Variance; Autoradiography; Basal Ganglia; Gene Expression Regulation; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Humans; Imipramine; Male; Middle Aged; Postmortem Changes; Protein Binding; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Suicide; Tritium; Young Adult

Naltrexone, a compound with high affinity for the mu opioid receptor (MOP-R) reduces alcohol consumption. SoRI-9409 is a derivative of naltrexone that has highest affinity at delta opioid receptors (DOP-Rs). We have investigated the effects of SoRI-9409 on ethanol consumption to determine the consequences of altering the naltrexone compound to a form with increased efficacy at DOP-Rs.. Effects of the opioid receptor antagonists, SoRI-9409 (0-30 mg/kg, IP), naltrexone (0-30 mg/kg, IP), or naltrindole (0-10 mg/kg, IP) on ethanol consumption was measured in high- and low-ethanol-consuming rats with two different drinking paradigms. SoRI-9409-, naltrexone-, and naltrindole-mediated inhibition of DOP-R-stimulated [(35)S]GTP gamma S binding was measured in brain membranes prepared from high-ethanol-consuming rats. The effects of SoRI-9409 on morphine-mediated analgesia, conditioned place preference, and anxiety were also examined.. In high- but not low-ethanol-consuming animals, SoRI-9409 is threefold more effective and selective at reducing ethanol consumption when compared with naltrexone or naltrindole for up to 24 hours. SoRI-9409 administered daily for 28 days continuously reduced ethanol consumption, and when the administration of SoRI-9409 was terminated, the amount of ethanol consumed remained lower compared with vehicle-treated animals. Furthermore, SoRI-9409 inhibits DOP-R-stimulated [(35)S]GTP gamma S binding in brain membranes of high-ethanol-consuming rats.. SoRI-9409 causes selective and long-lasting reductions of ethanol consumption. This suggests that compounds that have high affinity for DOP-Rs such as SoRI-9409 might be promising candidates for development as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of alcoholism.

Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholism; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Brain; Choice Behavior; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethanol; Food Preferences; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Male; Morphine Derivatives; Naloxone; Narcotic Antagonists; Narcotics; Protein Binding; Rats; Rats, Long-Evans; Receptors, Opioid, delta; Sucrose

Alcoholism is a complex disorder involving, among others, the serotoninergic (5-HT) system, mainly regulated by 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor desensitization induced by chronic 5-HT reuptake inactivation has been associated with a decrease in ethanol intake in mice. We investigated here whether, conversely, chronic ethanol intake could induce 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor supersensitivity, thereby contributing to the maintenance of high ethanol consumption. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a progressive ethanol intake procedure in a free-choice paradigm (3-10% ethanol versus tap water; 21 days) and 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor functional state was assessed using different approaches. Acute administration of the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist ipsapirone decreased the rate of tryptophan hydroxylation in striatum, and this effect was significantly larger (+75%) in mice that drank ethanol than in those drinking water. Furthermore, ethanol intake produced both an increased potency (+45%) of ipsapirone to inhibit the firing of 5-HT neurons, and a raise (+35%) in 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor-mediated stimulation of [(35)S]GTP-gamma-S binding in the dorsal raphe nucleus. These data showed that chronic voluntary ethanol intake in C57BL/6J mice induced 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor supersensitivity, at the origin of a 5-HT neurotransmission deficit, which might be causally related to the addictive effects of ethanol intake.

Topics: 5-Hydroxytryptophan; Action Potentials; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholism; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Body Temperature; Disease Models, Animal; Food Preferences; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; Hypothermia; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neurons; Protein Binding; Pyrimidines; Raphe Nuclei; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A; Serotonin; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Tryptophan

Alcoholism is often comorbid with mood disorders and suicide. We recently reported an upregulation of CB(1) receptor-mediated signaling in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of subjects with major depression who died by suicide. In the present study, we sought to determine whether the changes in depressed suicides would also be present in alcoholic suicides and whether the endocannabinoid (EC) system plays a role in suicide in alcoholism.. The density of CB(1) receptor and its mediated [(35)S]GTP gamma S signaling were measured in the DLPFC of alcoholic suicides (AS) (n = 11) and chronic alcoholics (CA) (n = 11). The levels of ECs were measured by a liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometry.. The CB(1) receptor density was higher in AS compared with the CA group in the DLPFC. Western blot analysis confirmed a greater immunoreactivity of the CB(1) receptor in AS. The CB(1) receptor-mediated [(35)S]GTP gamma S binding indicated a greater signaling in AS. Higher levels of N-arachidonyl ethanolamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol were observed in the DLPFC of AS.. The elevated levels of ECs, CB(1) receptors, and CB(1) receptor-mediated [(35)S]GTP gamma S binding strongly suggest a hyperactivity of endocannabinoidergic signaling in AS. EC system may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of suicidal behavior.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Binding, Competitive; Blotting, Western; Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cyclohexanols; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Endocannabinoids; Female; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Humans; Male; Mass Spectrometry; Middle Aged; Prefrontal Cortex; Radioligand Assay; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Suicide; Sulfur Isotopes; Tritium

Comparisons of the activity of the G protein-mediated phosphoinositide signal transduction system and of G protein levels were made in two regions of frontal cortex from eight schizophrenic, alcohol-dependent, and control subjects. G protein-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis was measured by stimulating cortical membranes incubated with [3H]phosphatidylinositol with 0.3-10 microM guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS). In frontal cortex areas 8/9, GTPgammaS-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis was 50% greater in schizophrenic than control or alcohol-dependent subjects, whereas there were no differences among these groups of subjects in the response to GTPgammaS in frontal cortex area 10. Agonists for dopaminergic, cholinergic, purinergic, serotonergic, histaminergic, and glutamatergic receptors coupled to the phosphoinositide signaling system increased [3H]phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in a GTPgammaS-dependent manner. Responses to most agonists were similar in all three subject groups in both cortical regions, with the largest difference being a 40% greater response to dopaminergic receptor stimulation in frontal cortex 8/9 from schizophrenic subjects. Measurements of the levels of phospholipase C-beta, and of alpha-subunits of Gq, Go, Gi1, Gi2, and Gs, made by immunoblot analyses revealed no differences among the groups of subjects except for increased G alpha(o) in schizophrenic subjects and increased G alpha(o) and G alpha(i1) in alcohol-dependent subjects. These results demonstrate that schizophrenia is associated with increased activity of the phosphoinositide signal transduction system and increased levels of G alpha(o), whereas the phosphoinositide system was unaltered in alcohol dependence, but G alpha(o) and G alpha(i1) were increased.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Autopsy; Cell Membrane; Cerebral Cortex; Female; Frontal Lobe; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phosphatidylinositols; Reference Values; Schizophrenia; Signal Transduction

The activity of cathepsin A, cathepsin D and other enzyme-markers of liver damage (ASPAT, ALAT, GGTP, LDH, AP) were measured in the serum of persons acutely intoxicated with ethanol and chronic alcoholics. Persons acutely intoxicated with ethanol had the unchanged activity of cathepsin A and cathepsin D while it increased in the chronic alcoholic serum.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholic Intoxication; Alcoholism; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Carboxypeptidases; Cathepsin A; Cathepsin D; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Humans; Male; Middle Aged

We evaluated G-proteins that are components of adenylyl cyclase (AC) signal transduction in erythrocyte and lymphocyte membranes from 26 family history positive (FHP) non-alcoholic and 26 family history negative (FHN) nonalcoholic subjects. Subjects were classified as FHP if their father met criteria for alcohol dependence; as FHN, if there was no history of alcoholism in any first or second degree relatives. Immunoblot analysis indicated that levels of erythrocyte membrane Gs alpha from FHP subjects were greater than levels in FHN subjects (171 +/- 11 vs 100 +/- 6, P < 0.001). To confirm the results of the immunoblot analysis, Gs alpha was quantitated by cholera toxin-dependent [32P]ADP-ribosylation. Levels of erythrocyte [32P]ADP-ribose-Gs alpha from FHP subjects were greater than levels in FHN subjects (236 +/- 28 vs 100 +/- 14, P < 0.001). Gs alpha levels did not correlate with age or alcohol consumption. By contrast to differences in Gs alpha, immunoblot analysis showed similar levels of Gi(2)alpha and Gi(3)alpha in erythrocyte membranes of FHP and FHN subjects. Pertussis toxin-catalyzed [32P]ADP-ribosylation of Gi-like G-proteins confirmed the immunoblot observations. Lastly, compared to FHN subjects, FHP subjects had enhanced Gs alpha expression in lymphocyte membranes as well (138 +/- 11 vs 100 +/- 5.5; P < 0.02). In summary, compared to FHN nonalcoholic men, FHP nonalcoholic men had greater levels of the stimulatory G-protein, Gs alpha, in erythrocyte and lymphocyte membranes. Enhanced expression of Gs alpha may be a marker of increased risk for the future development of alcoholism.

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose; Adult; Alcoholism; Cell Membrane; Erythrocyte Membrane; Family; Fathers; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Humans; Immunoblotting; Isoproterenol; Kinetics; Lymphocytes; Male; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors