This application examines the underlying signaling mechanisms that are involved in impulsivity as it changes across development (juvenile, adolescent, and adult), sex, pathology, and drug exposure. The overarching goal of this application is to: To identify dysfunctional neuronal circuit(s) and signaling mechanisms associated with impulsive behaviors and identify novel prevention approaches for intervention. We propose a multi-faceted approach that encompasses behavioral and molecular analyses to examine neuronal function within well-defined neural pathways in the rodent brain of both males and females. We have two Co-PIs, who will be running different aspects of these projects indepdently and interdependently at various times within the 5 year period. We build on our new data that show that elevated D1 dopamine receptors in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex of the rat increase impulsivity and other risky behaviors.
Aim 1 will identify and confirm neuronal pathways underlying impulsivity using both a reward-associated impulsivity task of impulsive choice (e.g., delayed discounting) and a motor-related task of impulsive action (e.g., the stop signal reaction time task). We will analyze receptors on projections from the prelimbic prefrontal cortex, the basolateral amygdala, and the orbital frontal cortex as they innervate the nucleus accumbens and the basolateral amygdala. Differential expression levels of D1 and alpha2A noradrenergic receptors are hypothesized to mediate these behaviors. We will use laser microdissection (LMD) and quantitative, real-time PCR for this initial assessment, followed by mechanistic confirmation with experimental use of viral vectors that selectively over-express these receptors in glutamate neurons in a given region.
In Aim 2, we will determine effective doses (ED50s) of methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and guanficine on impulsivity at different ages and across sex. Due to their different selectivity for dopamine and alpha2A receptors, we expect that different signaling pathways will be uniquely activated at different ages. The derived ED50s will then be used in a juvenile exposure paradigm that is predicted to effectively prevent impulsive behaviors in adulthood.
In Aim 3, samples from Aim 1 (viral over-expression) and Aim 2 (preventative interventions) will be analyzed with a bioinformatics approach with microarray and microRNAs analyses to identify convergent signaling pathways involved in impulsive behaviors and its effective intervention. Together, these studies will provide information on the developmental profile of the mechanisms underlying impulsivity as it is influenced by sex and medication.

Public Health Relevance

We will use laser microdissection of glutamate neurons in specific projection pathways into the nucleus accumbens to identify the underlying signaling mechanisms that are associated with impulsive choice and action. Drug treatments determined to be effective in reducing impulsive behaviors will be coupled with genetic engineering to identify novel cell signaling pathways with microarrays and microMRNA analyses. The goal of the proposed work is to elucidate a preventative therapeutic approach to impulsive behaviors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01MH091114-01A1
Application #
8108398
Study Section
Developmental Brain Disorders Study Section (DBD)
Program Officer
Zehr, Julia L
Project Start
2011-06-15
Project End
2016-03-31
Budget Start
2011-06-15
Budget End
2012-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$481,625
Indirect Cost
Name
Mclean Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
046514535
City
Belmont
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02478
Lukkes, Jodi L; Freund, Nadja; Thompson, Britta S et al. (2016) Preventative treatment in an animal model of ADHD: Behavioral and biochemical effects of methylphenidate and its interactions with ovarian hormones in female rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 26:1496-1506
Andersen, Susan L (2016) Commentary on the special issue on the adolescent brain: Adolescence, trajectories, and the importance of prevention. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 70:329-333
Lukkes, Jodi L; Thompson, Britta S; Freund, Nadja et al. (2016) The developmental inter-relationships between activity, novelty preferences, and delay discounting in male and female rats. Dev Psychobiol 58:231-42
Schrantee, Anouk; Tamminga, Hyke G H; Bouziane, Cheima et al. (2016) Age-Dependent Effects of Methylphenidate on the Human Dopaminergic System in Young vs Adult Patients With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 73:955-62
Andersen, Susan L (2015) Exposure to early adversity: Points of cross-species translation that can lead to improved understanding of depression. Dev Psychopathol 27:477-91
Stanis, Jessica J; Andersen, Susan L (2014) Reducing substance use during adolescence: a translational framework for prevention. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 231:1437-53
Freund, Nadja; MacGillivilray, Heather T; Thompson, Britta S et al. (2014) Sex-dependent changes in ADHD-like behaviors in juvenile rats following cortical dopamine depletion. Behav Brain Res 270:357-63
Sonntag, Kai C; Brenhouse, Heather C; Freund, Nadja et al. (2014) Viral over-expression of D1 dopamine receptors in the prefrontal cortex increase high-risk behaviors in adults: comparison with adolescents. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 231:1615-26
Andersen, Susan L; Navalta, Carryl P (2011) Annual Research Review: New frontiers in developmental neuropharmacology: can long-term therapeutic effects of drugs be optimized through carefully timed early intervention? J Child Psychol Psychiatry 52:476-503
Brenhouse, Heather C; Andersen, Susan L (2011) Developmental trajectories during adolescence in males and females: a cross-species understanding of underlying brain changes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 35:1687-703

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