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Sayson LV, Lee HJ, Ortiz DM, Kim M, Custodio RJP, Lee CH, Lee YS, Cheong JH, Kim HJ. The differential vulnerabilities of Per2 knockout mice to the addictive properties of methamphetamine and cocaine. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 126:110782. [PMID: 37141987 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
With the pervasive occurrence of substance abuse worldwide, unraveling the neuropharmacology of drugs of abuse, such as psychostimulants, is undeniably essential. Mice lacking Period 2 (Per2), a gene associated with the biological time-regulating system or circadian rhythm, have been proposed as a potential animal model for drug abuse vulnerability, demonstrating a greater preference for methamphetamine (METH) reward than wild-type (WT) mice. However, the responses of Per2 knockout (KO) mice to the reinforcing effects of METH or other psychostimulants are yet to be established. In this study, the responses of WT and Per2 KO mice to various psychostimulants via intravenous self-administration were determined, along with their behaviors in METH- or cocaine (COC)-induced conditioned place preference and spontaneous locomotion in the open-field test. Per2 KO mice exhibited greater addiction-like responses to METH and 5-EAPB (1-(1-benzofuran-5-yl)-N-ethylpropan-2-amine), but their responses to COC and dimethocaine were comparable to WT mice, indicating a divergent influence of Per2 deficiency on abuse susceptibility to specific psychostimulants. To potentially define the underlying mechanism for this phenotype, 19 differentially expressed genes were identified, through RNA sequencing, which might respond specifically to repeated METH, but not COC, administration in the mouse striatum and were narrowed down to those previously associated with immediate early genes or synaptic plasticity. The correlation between locomotor activity and mRNA expression levels revealed a moderate correlation between METH-induced behavior and Arc or Junb expression in Per2 KO mice only, suggesting their essential role that may lead to the higher vulnerability of Per2 KO mice to METH, but not COC. These findings indicate a potentially unique effect of Per2 expression level on the involvement of Arc and Junb in determining specific vulnerabilities to drugs, and possibly including abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Val Sayson
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Darlene Mae Ortiz
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Raly James Perez Custodio
- Department of Ergonomics, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors - IfADo, Ardeystr. 67, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Chae Hyeon Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Institute for New Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea.
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Behavioral and Pharmacokinetics Studies of N-Methyl-2-Aminoindane (NM2AI) in Mice: An Aminoindane Briefly Used in the Illicit Drug Market. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031882. [PMID: 36768197 PMCID: PMC9916073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug forums are considered as the main platform sources that have contributed to the increase in NPS popularity, especially for those not yet known to law enforcement and therefore not yet illegal. An example is the new synthetic stimulant NM2AI, which has a very short history of human use and abuse. Little is known regarding this compound, but some information from internet forums and the scientific literature indicates NM2AI as a structural derivate of MDAI, which is known for its entactogenic activity. Indeed, the purpose of this study is to evaluate, for the first time, the in vivo acute effect induced by the intraperitoneal injection of NM2AI (1-10-30-100 mg/kg) in mice. We demonstrate the sensory (by visual placing and object tests) and physiological (core temperature measurement) function variations, nociceptor (by tail pinch test) and strength (grip test) alterations, and sensorimotor (time on rod and mobility) decrease. Moreover, we verify the mild hallucinogenic effect of NM2AI (by startle/prepulse inhibition test). Lastly, we perform a pharmacokinetic study on mice blood samples, highlighting that the main active metabolite of NM2AI is 2-aminoindane (2AI). Taken together, our data confirm the suspected entactogenic activity of NM2AI; however, these in vivo effects appear atypical and less intense with respect to those induced by the classic stimulants, in surprising analogy with what is reported by networked users.
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Epigenetic Studies for Evaluation of NPS Toxicity: Focus on Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061398. [PMID: 35740419 PMCID: PMC9219842 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent decade, numerous new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have been added to the illicit drug market. These are synthetized to mimic the effects of classic drugs of abuse (i.e., cannabis, cocaine, etc.), with the purpose of bypassing substance legislations and increasing the pharmacotoxicological effects. To date, research into the acute pharmacological effects of new NPSs is ongoing and necessary in order to provide an appropriate contribution to public health. In fact, multiple examples of NPS-related acute intoxication and mortality have been recorded in the literature. Accordingly, several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the pharmacotoxicological profiles of these compounds, revealing that they can cause adverse effects involving various organ systems (i.e., cardiovascular, respiratory effects) and highlighting their potential increased consumption risks. In this sense, NPSs should be regarded as a complex issue that requires continuous monitoring. Moreover, knowledge of long-term NPS effects is lacking. Because genetic and environmental variables may impact NPS responses, epigenetics may aid in understanding the processes behind the harmful events induced by long-term NPS usage. Taken together, “pharmacoepigenomics” may provide a new field of combined study on genetic differences and epigenetic changes in drug reactions that might be predictive in forensic implications.
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Bilel S, Azevedo Neto J, Arfè R, Tirri M, Gaudio RM, Fantinati A, Bernardi T, Boccuto F, Marchetti B, Corli G, Serpelloni G, De-Giorgio F, Malfacini D, Trapella C, Calo' G, Marti M. In vitro and in vivo pharmaco-dynamic study of the novel fentanyl derivatives: Acrylfentanyl, Ocfentanyl and Furanylfentanyl. Neuropharmacology 2022; 209:109020. [PMID: 35247453 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Fentanyl derivatives (FENS) belongs to the class of Novel Synthetic Opioids that emerged in the illegal drug market of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). These substances have been implicated in many cases of intoxication and death with overdose worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the pharmaco-dynamic profiles of three fentanyl (FENT) analogues: Acrylfentanyl (ACRYLF), Ocfentanyl (OCF) and Furanylfentanyl (FUF). In vitro, we measured FENS opioid receptor efficacy, potency, and selectivity in calcium mobilization studies performed in cells coexpressing opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins and their capability to promote the interaction of the mu receptor with G protein and β-arrestin 2 in bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) studies. In vivo, we investigated the acute effects of the systemic administration of ACRYLF, OCF and FUF (0.01-15 mg/kg i.p.) on mechanical and thermal analgesia, motor impairment, grip strength and cardiorespiratory changes in CD-1 male mice. Opioid receptor specificity was investigated in vivo using naloxone (NLX; 6 mg/kg i.p) pre-treatment. In vitro, the three FENS were able to activate the mu opioid receptor in a concentration dependent manner with following rank order potency: FUF > FENT=OCF > ACRYLF. All compounds were able to elicit maximal effects similar to that of dermorphin, with the exception of FUF which displayed lower maximal effects thus behaving as a partial agonist. In the BRET G-protein assay, all compounds behaved as partial agonists for the β-arrestin 2 pathway in comparison with dermorphin, whereas FUF did not promote β-arrestin 2 recruitment, behaving as an antagonist. In vivo, all the compounds increased mechanical and thermal analgesia with following rank order potency ACRYLF = FENT > FUF > OCF and impaired motor and cardiorespiratory parameters. Among the substances tested, FUF showed lower potency for cardiorespiratory and motor effects. These findings reveal the risks associated with the use of FENS and the importance of studying the pharmaco-dynamic properties of these drugs to better understand possible therapeutic interventions in the case of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Gaudio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Boccuto
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Beatrice Marchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Neuroscience Clinical Center & TMS Unit Verona, Italy and Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center of the National Early Warning System, Department for Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy.
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Marti M, Talani G, Miliano C, Bilel S, Biggio F, Bratzu J, Diana M, De Luca MA, Fattore L. New insights into methoxetamine mechanisms of action: Focus on serotonergic 5-HT 2 receptors in pharmacological and behavioral effects in the rat. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113836. [PMID: 34384790 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Methoxetamine (MXE) is a dissociative substance of the arylcyclohexylamine class that has been present on the designer drug market as a ketamine-substitute since 2010. We have previously shown that MXE (i) possesses ketamine-like discriminative and positive rewarding effects in rats, (ii) affects brain processing involved in cognition and emotional responses, (iii) causes long-lasting behavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity in rats and (iv) induces neurological, sensorimotor and cardiorespiratory alterations in mice. To shed light on the mechanisms through which MXE exerts its effects, we conducted a multidisciplinary study to evaluate the various neurotransmitter systems presumably involved in its actions on the brain. In vivo microdialysis study first showed that a single administration of MXE (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) is able to significantly alter serotonin levels in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens. Then, we observed that blockade of the serotonin 5-HT2 receptors through two selective antagonists, ketanserin (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) and MDL 100907 (0.03 mg/kg, i.p.), at doses not affecting animals behavior per se, attenuated the facilitatory motor effect and the inhibition on visual sensory responses induced by MXE (3 mg/kg, i.p.) and ketamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.), and prevented MXE-induced reduction of the prepulse inhibition in rats, pointing to the 5-HT2 receptors as a key target for the recently described MXE-induced sensorimotor effects. Finally, in-vitro electrophysiological studies revealed that the GABAergic and glutamatergic systems are also likely involved in the mechanisms through which MXE exerts its central effects since MXE inhibits, in a concentration-dependent manner, NMDA-mediated field postsynaptic potentials and GABA-mediated spontaneous currents. Conversely, MXE failed to alter both the AMPA component of field potentials and presynaptic glutamate release, and seems not to interfere with the endocannabinoid-mediated effects on mPFC GABAergic synapses. Altogether, our results support the notion of MXE as a NMDA receptor antagonist and shed further lights into the central mechanisms of action of this ketamine-substitute by pointing to serotonin 5-HT2 receptors as crucial players in the expression of its sensorimotor altering effects and to the NMDA and GABA receptors as potential further important targets of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy
| | - Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Biggio
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Jessica Bratzu
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy
| | - Marco Diana
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Liana Fattore
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy.
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6
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Arfè R, Bilel S, Tirri M, Frisoni P, Serpelloni G, Neri M, Boccuto F, Bernardi T, Foti F, De-Giorgio F, Marti M. Comparison of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and the "date rape" drug GHB: behavioral toxicology in the mouse model. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2275-2295. [PMID: 33881584 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05852-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and γ-hydroxybutyrate acid (GHB) are synthetic solvents detected in the recreational drug market. GHB has sedative/hypnotic properties and is used for criminal purposes to compromise reaction ability and commit drug-facilitated sexual assaults and other crimes. NMP is a strong solubilizing solvent that has been used alone or mixed with GHB in case of abuse and robberies. The aim of this experimental study is to compare the acute pharmaco-toxicological effects of NMP and GHB on neurological signs (myoclonia, convulsions), sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and overall tactile) responses, righting reflex, thermoregulation, and motor activity (bar, drag, and accelerod test) in CD-1 male mice. Moreover, since cardiorespiratory depression is one of the main adverse effects related to GHB intake, we investigated the effect of NMP and GHB on cardiorespiratory changes (heart rate, breath rate, oxygen saturation, and pulse distension) in mice. The present study demonstrates that NMP inhibited sensorimotor and motor responses and induced cardiorespiratory depression, with a lower potency and efficacy compared to GHB. These results suggest that NMP can hardly be used alone as a substance to perpetrate sexual assault or robberies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Boccuto
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Foti
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italia
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia. .,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italia.
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. .,Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy.
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In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmaco-Toxicological Characterization of 1-Cyclohexyl-x-methoxybenzene Derivatives in Mice: Comparison with Tramadol and PCP. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147659. [PMID: 34299276 PMCID: PMC8306156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
1-cyclohexyl-x-methoxybenzene is a novel psychoactive substance (NPS), first discovered in Europe in 2012 as unknown racemic mixture of its three stereoisomers: ortho, meta and para. Each of these has structural similarities with the analgesic tramadol and the dissociative anesthetic phencyclidine. In light of these structural analogies, and based on the fact that both tramadol and phencyclidine are substances that cause toxic effects in humans, the aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic profile of these molecules, and to compare them with those caused by tramadol and phencyclidine. In vitro studies demonstrated that tramadol, ortho, meta and para were inactive at mu, kappa and delta opioid receptors. Systemic administration of the three stereoisomers impairs sensorimotor responses, modulates spontaneous motor activity, induces modest analgesia, and alters thermoregulation and cardiorespiratory responses in the mouse in some cases, with a similar profile to that of tramadol and phencyclidine. Naloxone partially prevents only the visual sensorimotor impairments caused by three stereoisomers, without preventing other effects. The present data show that 1-cyclohexyl-x-methoxybenzene derivatives cause pharmaco-toxicological effects by activating both opioid and non-opioid mechanisms and suggest that their use could potentially lead to abuse and bodily harm.
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8
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Bilel S, Azevedo NJ, Arfè R, Tirri M, Gregori A, Serpelloni G, De-Giorgio F, Frisoni P, Neri M, Calò G, Marti M. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the synthetic opioid MT-45. Neuropharmacology 2020; 171:108110. [PMID: 32344007 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
MT-45 is a synthetic opioid that was developed in the 1970s as an analgesic compound. However, in recent years MT-45 has been associated with multiple deaths in Europe and has been included in the class of novel psychoactive substances known as novel synthetic opioids (NSOs). Little is known about the pharmaco-toxicological effects of MT-45. Therefore, we used a dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay to investigate the pharmacodynamic profile of this NSO in vitro compared with morphine. We then used in vivo studies to investigate the effect of the acute systemic administration of MT-45 (0.01-15 mg/kg i.p.) on motor and sensorimotor (visual, acoustic and tactile) responses, mechanical and thermal analgesia, muscle strength and body temperature in CD-1 male mice. Higher doses of MT-45 (6-30 mg/kg i.p.) were used to investigate cardiorespiratory changes (heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2 saturation and pulse distention). All effects of MT-45 were compared with those of morphine. In vitro DMR assay results demonstrated that at human recombinant opioid receptors MT-45 behaves as a potent selective mu agonist with a slightly higher efficacy than morphine. In vivo results showed that MT-45 progressively induces tail elevation at the lowest dose tested (0.01 mg/kg), increased mechanical and thermal antinociception (starting from 1 to 6 mg/kg), decreased visual sensorimotor responses (starting from 3 to 6 mg/kg) and reduced tactile responses, modulated motor performance and induced muscle rigidity at higher doses (15 mg/kg). In addition, at higher doses (15-30 mg/kg) MT-45 impaired the cardiorespiratory functions. All effects were prevented by the administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. These findings reveal the risks associated with the ingestion of opioids and the importance of studying these drugs and undertaking more clinical studies of the current molecules to better understand possible therapeutic interventions in the case of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bilel
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - N J Azevedo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - R Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - M Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - A Gregori
- Carabinieri, Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), 00191, Rome, Italy
| | - G Serpelloni
- Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - F De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - P Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Marti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center of the National Early Warning System, Department for Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy.
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9
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Miliano C, Marti M, Pintori N, Castelli MP, Tirri M, Arfè R, De Luca MA. Neurochemical and Behavioral Profiling in Male and Female Rats of the Psychedelic Agent 25I-NBOMe. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1406. [PMID: 31915427 PMCID: PMC6921684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe), commonly called “N-Bomb,” is a synthetic phenethylamine with psychedelic and entactogenic effects; it was available on the Internet both as a legal alternative to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and as a surrogate of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), but now it has been scheduled among controlled substances. 25I-NBOMe acts as full agonist on serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Users are often unaware of ingesting fake LSD, and several cases of intoxication and fatalities have been reported. In humans, overdoses of “N-Bomb” can cause tachycardia, hypertension, seizures, and agitation. Preclinical studies have not yet widely investigated the rewarding properties and behavioral effects of this compound in both sexes. Therefore, by in vivo microdialysis, we evaluated the effects of 25I-NBOMe on dopaminergic (DA) and serotonergic (5-HT) transmissions in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core, and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male and female rats. Moreover, we investigated the effect of 25I-NBOMe on sensorimotor modifications as well as body temperature, nociception, and startle/prepulse inhibition (PPI). We showed that administration of 25I-NBOMe affects DA transmission in the NAc shell in both sexes, although showing different patterns; moreover, this compound causes impaired visual responses in both sexes, whereas core temperature is heavily affected in females, and the highest dose tested exerts an analgesic effect prominent in male rats. Indeed, this drug is able to impair the startle amplitude with the same extent in both sexes and inhibits the PPI in male and female rats. Our study fills the gap of knowledge on the behavioral effects of 25I-NBOMe and the risks associated with its ingestion; it focuses the attention on sex differences that might be useful to understand the trend of consumption as well as to recognize and treat intoxication and overdose symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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10
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Bilel S, Tirri M, Arfè R, Stopponi S, Soverchia L, Ciccocioppo R, Frisoni P, Strano-Rossi S, Miliano C, De-Giorgio F, Serpelloni G, Fantinati A, De Luca MA, Neri M, Marti M. Pharmacological and Behavioral Effects of the Synthetic Cannabinoid AKB48 in Rats. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1163. [PMID: 31736697 PMCID: PMC6831561 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AKB48 is a designer drug belonging to the indazole synthetic cannabinoids class, illegally sold as herbal blend, incense, or research chemicals for their psychoactive cannabis-like effects. In the present study, we investigated the in vivo pharmacological and behavioral effects of AKB48 in male rats and measured the pharmacodynamic effects of AKB48 and simultaneously determined its plasma pharmacokinetic. AKB48 at low doses preferentially stimulated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens shell (0.25 mg/kg) and impaired visual sensorimotor responses (0.3 mg/kg) without affecting acoustic and tactile reflexes, which are reduced only to the highest dose tested (3 mg/kg). Increasing doses (0.5 mg/kg) of AKB48 impaired place preference and induced hypolocomotion in rats. At the highest dose (3 mg/kg), AKB48 induced hypothermia, analgesia, and catalepsy; inhibited the startle/pre-pulse inhibition test; and caused cardiorespiratory changes characterized by bradycardia and mild bradipnea and SpO2 reduction. All behavioral and neurochemical effects were fully prevented by the selective CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251. AKB48 plasma concentrations rose linearly with increasing dose and were correlated with changes in the somatosensory, hypothermic, analgesic, and cataleptic responses in rats. For the first time, this study shows the pharmacological and behavioral effects of AKB48 in rats, correlating them to the plasma levels of the synthetic cannabinoid. Chemical Compound Studied in This Article: AKB48 (PubChem CID: 57404063); AM251 (PubChem CID: 2125).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Section of Legal Medicine, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Stopponi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Laura Soverchia
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabina Strano-Rossi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Section of Legal Medicine, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Ferrara, Italy
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11
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Bilel S, Tirri M, Arfè R, Ossato A, Trapella C, Serpelloni G, Neri M, Fattore L, Marti M. Novel halogenated synthetic cannabinoids impair sensorimotor functions in mice. Neurotoxicology 2019; 76:17-32. [PMID: 31610187 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
JWH-018-Cl, JWH-018-Br and AM-2201 (JWH-018 halogenated-derivatives; JWH-018-R compounds) are synthetic cannabinoid agonists illegally marketed as "Spice", "K2", "herbal blend" and research chemicals for their cannabis-like psychoactive effects. In rodents, JWH-018 and its halogenated derivatives reproduce the typical effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), i.e. hypothermia, analgesia, hypolocomotion and akinesia. Yet, the effects of JWH-018-R compounds on sensorimotor functions are still unknown. This study was designed to investigate the effect of an acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of JWH-018-R compounds (0.01-6 mg/kg) on sensorimotor functions in mice and to compare them to those caused by the reference compound JWH-018 and Δ9-THC. A well validated battery of behavioral tests was used to investigate the effects of these synthetic cannabinoids on the visual, auditory and tactile responses in mice, while the pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) test was used to investigate their effect on sensorimotor gating. The effect of the synthetic cannabinoids on spontaneous locomotion was also measured by a video tracking analysis to assess potential cannabinoid-induced motor impairment. Results showed that, similarly to JWH-018, systemic administration of JWH-018-R compounds inhibits sensorimotor and PPI responses at lower doses (0.01-0.1 mg/kg) and reduced spontaneous locomotion at intermediate/high doses (1-6 mg/kg). All effects were prevented by the administration of the selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM-251 thus confirming a CB1 receptor-mediated action. Finding that lower doses of JWH-018-R compounds selectively impair sensorimotor and PPI responses without affecting locomotion should be carefully considered to better understand the potential danger that halogenated-derivatives of JWH-018 may pose to public health, with particular reference to decreased performance in driving and hazardous works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ossato
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Drug Policy Institute, Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy.
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Center for Neuroscience and National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy; Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
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12
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De-Giorgio F, Bilel S, Ossato A, Tirri M, Arfè R, Foti F, Serpelloni G, Frisoni P, Neri M, Marti M. Acute and repeated administration of MDPV increases aggressive behavior in mice: forensic implications. Int J Legal Med 2019; 133:1797-1808. [PMID: 31154497 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
MDPV is a synthetic cathinone illegally marketed and consumed for its psychostimulant effects, which are similar to those produced by cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA. Clinical reports indicate that MDPV produces euphoria, increases alertness, and at high doses causes agitation, psychosis, tachycardia and hypertension, hallucinations, delirium, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, and even death. In rodents, MDPV reproduces the typical physiological effects of psychostimulant drugs, demonstrating greater potency than cocaine. Nevertheless, its role in aggressive behavior has been reported but not yet experimentally confirmed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute and repeated MDPV (0.01-10 mg/kg i.p.) administration on aggressive behavior in mice and to compare them with those of cocaine (0.01-10 mg/kg i.p.) administration. To this purpose, the resident-intruder test in isolated mice and the spontaneous and stimulated aggressiveness tests for group-housed mice were employed. The present study shows for the first time that MDPV enhances aggressive behavior and locomotion in mice with greater potency and efficacy than cocaine treatment. Moreover, the aggressive and locomotor responses are enhanced after repeated administration, indicating that a sensitization mechanism comes into play. These results, although from preclinical investigation, are suggestive that human MDPV intake could be a problem for public health and the criminal justice system. Thus, investigation by police officers and medical staff is needed to prevent interpersonal violence induced by the consumption of synthetic cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Ossato
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Foti
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ferrara, Italy. .,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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13
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Ossato A, Bilel S, Gregori A, Talarico A, Trapella C, Gaudio RM, De-Giorgio F, Tagliaro F, Neri M, Fattore L, Marti M. Neurological, sensorimotor and cardiorespiratory alterations induced by methoxetamine, ketamine and phencyclidine in mice. Neuropharmacology 2018; 141:167-180. [PMID: 30165078 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances are intoxicating compounds developed to mimic the effects of well-established drugs of abuse. They are not controlled by the United Nations drug convention and pose serious health concerns worldwide. Among them, the dissociative drug methoxetamine (MXE) is structurally similar to ketamine (KET) and phencyclidine (PCP) and was created to purposely mimic the psychotropic effects of its "parent" compounds. Recent animal studies show that MXE is able to stimulate the mesolimbic dopaminergic transmission and to induce KET-like discriminative and rewarding effects. In light of the renewed interest in KET and PCP analogs, we decided to deepen the investigation of MXE-induced effects by a battery of behavioral tests widely used in studies of "safety-pharmacology" for the preclinical characterization of new molecules. To this purpose, the acute effects of MXE on neurological and sensorimotor functions in mice, including visual, acoustic and tactile responses, thermal and mechanical pain, motor activity and acoustic startle reactivity were evaluated in comparisons with KET and PCP to better appreciate its specificity of action. Cardiorespiratory parameters and blood pressure were also monitored in awake and freely moving animals. Acute systemic administrations of MXE, KET and PCP (0.01-30 mg/kg i.p.) differentially alter neurological and sensorimotor functions in mice depending in a dose-dependent manner specific for each parameter examined. MXE and KET (1 and 30 mg/kg i.p.) and PCP (1 and 10 mg/kg i.p.) also affect significantly cardiorespiratory parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ossato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy; Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Adolfo Gregori
- Carabinieri, Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), 00191, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Talarico
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Gaudio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Policlinico ''G.B. Rossi'', Verona, Italy; Institute of Pharmacy and Translational Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russian Federation
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy.
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