Swiss-Webster and C57BL/6 mice are differentially sensitive to the stimulant effects of methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant with significant neurobiological consequences, yet strain-dependent differences in its effects remain poorly understood. This study investigated behavioral and molecular differences in Swiss-Webster and C57BL/6 mice following methamphetamine exposure. Swiss-Webster mice exhibited greater behavioral sensitivity to methamphetamine compared to C57BL/6 mice, as demonstrated by lower peak doses required to elicit locomotor stimulation and conditioned place preference.

Neutrophil Integrin α9 Impairs Efferocytosis and Worsens Long-Term Recovery After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Background: Neutrophil infiltration exacerbates brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Integrin α9, expressed on neutrophils, facilitates their adhesion and transendothelial migration, leading to aggravated inflammatory responses and neuronal apoptosis. Insufficient clearance of apoptotic neurons by microglia and infiltrating blood-derived macrophages (defective efferocytosis) contributes to persistent inflammation and poor SAH recovery.

Individuals recently abstinent from methamphetamine show selective cognitive and behavioral differences when compared to age-matched controls.

Introduction: Substance use disorders are often associated with impairments in cognitive and behavioral processes. Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), in particular, has been linked to such differences, though it remains unclear whether response inhibition (the inability to withhold prepotent responses), risk taking, or other constructs play more prominent roles. Understanding the specific contributions of these constructs is essential for tailoring interventions and improving outcomes for individuals with MUD.

96-h methamphetamine self-administration elicits striatal dopamine depletion in male and female rats: a model of binge-like use.

Background: Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant with significant public health implications. Chronic methamphetamine use is linked to profound dysregulation of the dopaminergic system, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. While traditional experimenter administered "binge" dosing models reliably produce dopaminergic neurotoxicity, they fail to capture the volitional, drug intake characteristic of human methamphetamine use.

Retinal Angiogenesis in Methamphetamine Self-Administration Rats.

Purpose: Given the evidence of a link between methamphetamine (METH) exposure and retinal vascular abnormalities, this study aims to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying METH-induced retinal angiogenesis using a unique self-administration rat model and primary rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RRMECs).

Method: To model the impact of compulsive use of METH, rats underwent an 8-week METH long-access self-administration protocol, with retinal tissues analyzed using whole retinal flatmount imaging and vascular network quantification. Proteomic analysis via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry identified differentially expressed proteins, while RRMECs were treated with METH to assess molecular changes through immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR.

Deep brain stimulation of nucleus basalis of meynert: Effect of stimulation mode and duration on learning in rat model of dementia.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) has been preliminarily investigated as a potential treatment for dementia. The degeneration of NBM cholinergic neurons is a pathological feature of many forms of dementia. Although NBM stimulation has been demonstrated to improve learning, the ideal parameters for NBM stimulation have not been elucidated.

Microfluidics-Assisted Formulation of Polymeric Oxytocin Nanoparticles for Targeted Brain Delivery.

The neuropeptide oxytocin has been identified as a potential therapeutic molecule. However, the therapeutic potential of this molecule is limited due to the challenges faced in oxytocin delivery to the brain. Scientific innovation has led to the breakthrough discovery of many modalities to encapsulate molecules for targeted drug delivery, which can enhance oxytocin delivery to the brain.

Kratom: A Narrative Review of the Possible Clinical Uses and Dangers of This Opioid-Like Plant.

The term "kratom" refers to a plant species formally known as  Kratom is composed of over 40 alkaloids, a type of organic compound that contains nitrogen. These compounds work primarily via binding to opioid receptors expressed on neurons, where they stimulate signal transduction mechanisms involving the activation of G proteins. Kratom has been shown to cause both a stimulant-like effect and a sedative effect in humans.

Practical considerations in the establishment of psychedelic research programs.

Rationale: There is increasing interest in establishing psychedelic research programs at academic medical centers. However, psychedelics are intensely psychoactive, carry considerable sociopolitical baggage, and most are Schedule I drugs, creating significant potential impediments to implementation. There is little formal guidance for investigators on navigating the complex on-the-ground obstacles associated with establishing psychedelic research programs.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of opioid use disorder: A narrative review.

It is estimated that over 16 million people are living with opioid use disorder (OUD) worldwide, with 2.1 million people in the United States. Opioid addiction is theorized to be associated with strong dopaminergic response to opioid receptor stimulations that contributes to reward-seeking behaviors and individuals' experiences with opioids.

Amid magic and menace: psychiatrists' attitudes to psilocybin therapy.

Objectives: Understanding variations in knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists to psilocybin therapy is important for the collective discourse about the potential impact on clinical practice and public health in Ireland.

Methods: A 28-item questionnaire was designed based on previous studies and distributed to psychiatrists in Ireland via online mailing lists and at in-person academic events.

Results: 151 psychiatrists completed the questionnaire (73.

Deep Brain Stimulation of Nucleus Basalis of Meynert improves learning in rat model of dementia.

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) has been preliminarily investigated as a potential treatment for dementia. The degeneration of NBM cholinergic neurons is a pathological feature of many forms of dementia. Although stimulation of the NBM has been demonstrated to improve learning, the ideal parameters for NBM stimulation have not been elucidated.

Impacts of Self-Administered 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) Alone, and in Combination with Caffeine, on Recognition Memory and Striatal Monoamine Neurochemistry in Male Sprague Dawley Rats: Comparisons with Methamphetamine and Cocaine.

Recent data suggest that 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) has neurotoxic effects; however, the cognitive and neurochemical consequences of MDPV self-administration remain largely unexplored. Furthermore, despite the fact that drug preparations that contain MDPV often also contain caffeine, little is known regarding the toxic effects produced by the co-use of these two stimulants. The current study investigated the degree to which self-administered MDPV or a mixture of MDPV+caffeine can produce deficits in recognition memory and alter neurochemistry relative to prototypical stimulants.

Xylazine: A Drug Adulterant of Clinical Concern.

Purpose Of Review: The opioid epidemic has been responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the USA and worldwide. As a result, it is essential to recognize the threat these potent drugs can cause when illicitly used. Specifically, introducing fentanyl as a drug adulterant has been shown to impact overdose rates drastically.

Impacts of Self-Administered 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) Alone, and in Combination with Caffeine, on Recognition Memory and Striatal Monoamine Neurochemistry in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats: Comparisons with Methamphetamine and Cocaine.

Recent data suggest that 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) has neurotoxic effects; however, the cognitive and neurochemical consequences of MDPV self-administration remain largely unexplored. Furthermore, despite the fact that drug preparations that contain MDPV often also contain caffeine, little is known regarding the toxic effects produced by the co-use of these two stimulants. The current study investigated the degree to which self-administered MDPV, or a mixture of MDPV+caffeine can produce deficits in recognition memory and alter neurochemistry relative to prototypical stimulants.

Overview of Methamphetamine-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Topic Importance: The global surge in methamphetamine use is a critical public health concern, particularly due to its robust correlation with methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (MA-PAH). This association raises urgent alarms about the potential escalation of MA-PAH incidence, posing a significant and imminent challenge to global public health.

Review Findings: This comprehensive review meticulously explores MA-PAH, offering insights into its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic intricacies, and management strategies.

Immunotherapeutic treatment of inflammation in mice exposed to methamphetamine.

Introduction: Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications to treat methamphetamine addiction, including the inflammatory, neurotoxic, and adverse neuropsychiatric effects. We have shown that partial (p)MHC class II constructs (i.e.

Psychedelic Commercialization: A Wide-Spanning Overview of the Emerging Psychedelic Industry.

Background: In the wake of positive clinical trial outcomes of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, there has been an influx of financial investment into psychedelic drug development from the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Psychedelics are now a multibillion dollar industry, with hundreds of companies that are seeking to commercialize therapeutic applications of psychedelics formed over the course of just a few years.

Materials And Methods: This paper aims to provide a broad overview of the psychedelic industry by detailing the history and current state of psychedelic drug commercialization, exploring challenges to commercial viability, highlighting ethical considerations, and incorporating lessons from the analogous ketamine and cannabis industries, which largely preceded the psychedelic industry.

Updated Perspectives on the Neurobiology of Substance Use Disorders Using Neuroimaging.

Substance use problems impair social functioning, academic achievement, and employability. Psychological, biological, social, and environmental factors can contribute to substance use disorders. In recent years, neuroimaging breakthroughs have helped elucidate the mechanisms of substance misuse and its effects on the brain.

Tianeptine, an Antidepressant with Opioid Agonist Effects: Pharmacology and Abuse Potential, a Narrative Review.

Tianeptine is an antidepressant drug approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder in countries other than the US. It is classified as an atypical tricyclic antidepressant and has shown potential benefits in addressing anxiety and irritable bowel disease. However, it is important to note that tianeptine is not approved for any use by the United States Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

The Use of Oxytocin for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder.

Nearly 27 million people have an opioid use disorder (OUD) according to the 2016 Global Burden of Disease study, most of which occur in the US where opioids are a common class of medication used to treat acute and chronic pain. In 2016 alone, more than 60 million patients had at least one prescription for opioids filled or refilled. Over the past decade, prescription rates have risen astronomically and have created an epidemic in the US dubbed the "opioid crisis.

Topical cannabidiol is well tolerated in individuals with a history of elite physical performance and chronic lower extremity pain.

Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a potential therapeutic for pain management. Yet, there exists a dearth of studies of its tolerability and efficacy, especially in special populations. Former elite athletes are a special population both susceptible to chronic pain and also highly trained and attuned to assess medication tolerability concerns.