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Zancanaro F, Tedeschi G, Zamengo L, Frasson S, Frison G. Determination of cannabinoids in 50 μL whole blood samples by online extraction using turbulent flow chromatography and LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS: Application on driving under the influence of drugs cases. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:210-220. [PMID: 37343943 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of cannabinoids in whole blood is usually done by traditional mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, after offline cleanup or derivatization steps which can be lengthy, laborious, and expensive. We present a simple, fast, highly specific, and sensitive method for the determination of Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), 11-hydroxy-Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) in 50 μL whole blood samples. After the addition of deuterated internal standards (IS) and a simple protein precipitation step, an online extraction of sample supernatants using turbulent flow chromatography (TurboFlow-Thermo Scientific) was carried out. Analytes were separated on a C18 analytical column and detected by LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS using a Thermo Scientific Q Exactive Focus MS system. MS detection was performed in polarity switching and selected ion monitoring (SIM) modes using five specific acquisition windows, at a resolution of 70,000 (FWHM). Total run time was about 10 min including preanalytical steps. Method validation was carried out by determining limit of detection (LOD), lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), linearity range, analytical accuracy, intra-assay and interassay precision, carry-over, matrix effect, extraction recovery, and selectivity, for all analytes. Measurement uncertainties were also evaluated, and a decision rule was set with confidence for forensic purposes. The method may become suitable for clinical and forensic toxicology applications, taking advantage of the small matrix volume required, the simple and cost-effective sample preparation procedure, and the fast analytical run time. Performances were monitored over a long-term period and tested on 7620 driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) samples, including 641 positive samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Zancanaro
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3 Serenissima, Venice, Italy
| | - Gianpaola Tedeschi
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3 Serenissima, Venice, Italy
| | - Luca Zamengo
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3 Serenissima, Venice, Italy
| | - Samuela Frasson
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3 Serenissima, Venice, Italy
| | - Giampietro Frison
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3 Serenissima, Venice, Italy
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Gergs U, Jacob H, Braekow P, Hofmann B, Pockes S, Humphrys LJ, Kirchhefer U, Fehse C, Neumann J. Lysergic acid diethylamide stimulates cardiac human H 2 histamine and cardiac human 5-HT 4-serotonin receptors. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:221-236. [PMID: 37401967 PMCID: PMC10771359 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02591-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is an artificial hallucinogenic drug. Thus, we hypothesized that LSD might act 5-HT4 serotonin receptors and/or H2 histamine receptors. We studied isolated electrically stimulated left atrial preparations, spontaneously beating right atrial preparations, and spontaneously beating Langendorff-perfused hearts from transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the human 5-HT4 receptor (5-HT4-TG) or of the H2-histamine receptor (H2-TG). For comparison, we used wild type littermate mice (WT). Finally, we measured isometric force of contraction in isolated electrically stimulated muscle strips from the human right atrium obtained from patients during bypass surgery. LSD (up to 10 µM) concentration dependently increased force of contraction and beating rate in left or right atrial preparations from 5-HT4-TG (n = 6, p < 0.05) in 5-HT4-TG atrial preparations. The inotropic and chronotropic effects of LSD were antagonized by 10 µM tropisetron in 5-HT4-TG. In contrast, LSD (10 µM) increased force of contraction and beating rate in left or right atrial preparations, from H2-TG. After pre-stimulation with cilostamide (1 µM), LSD (10 µM) increased force of contraction in human atrial preparations (n = 6, p < 0.05). The contractile effects of LSD in human atrial preparations could be antagonized by 10 µM cimetidine and 1 µM GR 125487. LSD leads to H2-histamine receptor and 5-HT4-receptor mediated cardiac effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Gergs
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 4, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Hannes Jacob
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 4, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Pauline Braekow
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 4, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Britt Hofmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Mid-German Heart Center, University Hospital Halle, Ernst Grube Straße 40, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Steffen Pockes
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Laura J Humphrys
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Kirchhefer
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Domagkstraße 12, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Charlotte Fehse
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 4, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Joachim Neumann
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 4, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Madrid-Gambin F, Fabregat-Safont D, Gomez-Gomez A, Olesti E, Mason NL, Ramaekers JG, Pozo OJ. Present and future of metabolic and metabolomics studies focused on classical psychedelics in humans. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115775. [PMID: 37944438 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychedelics are classical hallucinogen drugs that induce a marked altered state of consciousness. In recent years, there has been renewed attention to the possible use of classical psychedelics for the treatment of certain mental health disorders. However, further investigation to better understand their biological effects in humans, their mechanism of action, and their metabolism in humans is needed when considering the development of future novel therapeutic approaches. Both metabolic and metabolomics studies may help for these purposes. On one hand, metabolic studies aim to determine the main metabolites of the drug. On the other hand, the application of metabolomics in human psychedelics studies can help to further understand the biological processes underlying the psychedelic state and the mechanisms of action underlying their therapeutic potential. This review presents the state of the art of metabolic and metabolomic studies after lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carboline alkaloids (ayahuasca brew), 5-methoxy-DMT and psilocybin administrations in humans. We first describe the characteristics of the published research. Afterward, we reviewed the main results obtained by both metabolic and metabolomics (if available) studies in classical psychedelics and we found out that metabolic and metabolomics studies in psychedelics progress at two different speeds. Thus, whereas the main metabolites for classical psychedelics have been robustly established, the main metabolic alterations induced by psychedelics need to be explored. The integration of metabolomics and pharmacokinetics for investigating the molecular interaction between psychedelics and multiple targets may open new avenues in understanding the therapeutic role of psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Madrid-Gambin
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Fabregat-Safont
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Alex Gomez-Gomez
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; CERBA Internacional, Chromatography Department, 08203 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Eulàlia Olesti
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Area Medicament, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natasha L Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar J Pozo
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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Silveira CMDV, Farelo Dos Santos V, Ornelas IM, Carrilho BDS, Ventura MAVDC, Pereira HMG, Rehen SK, Junqueira M. Systematic characterization of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide metabolites in Caenorhabditis elegans by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1708:464362. [PMID: 37717453 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds have gained renewed interest for their potential therapeutic applications, but their metabolism and effects on complex biological systems remain poorly understood. Here, we present a systematic characterization of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) metabolites in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans using state-of-the-art analytical techniques. By employing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry, we putatively identified a range of LSD metabolites, shedding light on their metabolic pathways and offering insights into their pharmacokinetics. Our study demonstrates the suitability of Caenorhabditis elegans as a valuable model system for investigating the metabolism of psychedelic compounds and provides a foundation for further research on the therapeutic potential of LSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Isis Moraes Ornelas
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brasil; Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Stevens Kastrup Rehen
- Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Magno Junqueira
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
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Bedford P, Hauke DJ, Wang Z, Roth V, Nagy-Huber M, Holze F, Ley L, Vizeli P, Liechti ME, Borgwardt S, Müller F, Diaconescu AO. The effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on whole-brain functional and effective connectivity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023:10.1038/s41386-023-01574-8. [PMID: 37185950 PMCID: PMC10267115 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01574-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics have emerged as promising candidate treatments for various psychiatric conditions, and given their clinical potential, there is a need to identify biomarkers that underlie their effects. Here, we investigate the neural mechanisms of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) using regression dynamic causal modelling (rDCM), a novel technique that assesses whole-brain effective connectivity (EC) during resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We modelled data from two randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trials, in which 45 participants were administered 100 μg LSD and placebo in two resting-state fMRI sessions. We compared EC against whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) using classical statistics and machine learning methods. Multivariate analyses of EC parameters revealed predominantly stronger interregional connectivity and reduced self-inhibition under LSD compared to placebo, with the notable exception of weakened interregional connectivity and increased self-inhibition in occipital brain regions as well as subcortical regions. Together, these findings suggests that LSD perturbs the Excitation/Inhibition balance of the brain. Notably, whole-brain EC did not only provide additional mechanistic insight into the effects of LSD on the Excitation/Inhibition balance of the brain, but EC also correlated with global subjective effects of LSD and discriminated experimental conditions in a machine learning-based analysis with high accuracy (91.11%), highlighting the potential of using whole-brain EC to decode or predict subjective effects of LSD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bedford
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel J Hauke
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Zheng Wang
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Volker Roth
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monika Nagy-Huber
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Friederike Holze
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ley
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Translational Psychiatry, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Felix Müller
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreea O Diaconescu
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Zheng J, Wang X, Zhang J, Ren H, Zhao Y, Xiang P. Concentrations of LSD, 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD, and iso-LSD in hair segments of 18 drug abusers. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 344:111578. [PMID: 36753839 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is one of the most widely abused hallucinogens, which can alter consciousness, produce mental disorder, and cause harmful behavior. 1-Propionyl-LSD (1 P-LSD), a novel derivative of LSD, has the similar hallucinogenic effect. It is a control substance in several countries. 1 P-LSD can act as a prodrug for LSD and is rapidly hydrolyzed to LSD in humans. Therefore, LSD use should be confirmed by the absence of 1 P-LSD and in the detection of LSD. Here, we describe a LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous extraction of LSD, iso-LSD, 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD, and 1 P-LSD from hair. Hair samples (25 mg) were pulverized by cryogenic grinding in methanol. The limits of detection were 0.2-1 pg/mg and the limits of quantification were 0.5-2 pg/mg. This method was validated and applied to hair samples from 18 suspects who may have used LSD. Segmental hair analysis revealed a decrease in the LSD concentrations from the proximal to the distill end, while 1 P-LSD was not detected in any hair segments. The interpretation of hair analysis results of LSD still remains difficult. Nevertheless, concentrations of LSD and iso-LSD in human hair from 18 LSD users were reported. LSD concentrations were from <LOQ to 4.0 pg/mg (n = 18, median 1.5 pg/mg) in the proximal 0-3 cm segment, from <LOQ to 1.8 pg/mg (n = 8) in the 3-6 cm segment, and from <LOQ to 0.6 pg/mg (n = 4) in the 6-9 cm segment. Iso-LSD ranged from <LOQ to 1.4 pg/mg (n = 4) in the 0-3 cm segment and was detectable only in one 3-6 cm segment. To our knowledge, this is the first study to monitor LSD together with 1 P-LSD in hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110000, China; Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Hang Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110000, China; Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Yunli Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110000, China.
| | - Ping Xiang
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Shanghai 200063, China.
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Le Daré B, Gicquel T, Baert A, Morel I, Bouvet R. Self-inflicted neck wounds under influence of lysergic acid diethylamide: A case report and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e20868. [PMID: 32629675 PMCID: PMC7337592 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000020868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a highly potent psychedelic drug derived from ergot alkaloids. The available literature data derived from controlled studies or usage in a medical setting seem reassuring; however the literature contains very rare cases of fatal self-inflicted injuries associated with LSD exposure. The behavioral disorder that created the conditions conducive to death is a maladaptive or irrational response to the psychiatric manifestations induced by the substance. PATIENT CONCERN Here, we report the case of a 26-year-old man found dead with large neck wounds in a locked house. No medical history other than recreational use of alcohol and narcotics was reported as well as any history of psychotic disease. The entirety of the other investigations carried out did not demonstrate the presence of a third party at the place of death and a dropper bottle containing LSD was found near the body. DIAGNOSIS We report the first case of fatal self-inflicted neck wounds with a cutting instrument in the context of acute exposure to LSD in a patient with no psychiatric history and without suicidal symptoms at the time of the self-aggressive act. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES In the present work, we used a validated method using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for simultaneous quantification of LSD and its metabolites (O-H-LSD and Nor-LSD) in whole blood and urine samples. LSD and O-H-LSD were respectively found at 1460 and 182 pg/mL in blood. In the urine, the concentrations of LSD, nor-LSD, O-H-LSD were, respectively, 3670, 201, and 4890 ng/L. LESSONS This observation is particularly relevant in view of the resurgence of interest in the therapeutic use of LSD, notwithstanding the fact that the literature has not demonstrated a link between suicidal risk and acute or chronic exposure to LSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Le Daré
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Institut national de recherche agronomique, University Hospital Rennes, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolism and Cancer)
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory
| | - Thomas Gicquel
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Institut national de recherche agronomique, University Hospital Rennes, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolism and Cancer)
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory
| | - Alain Baert
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Rennes University Hospital
| | - Isabelle Morel
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Institut national de recherche agronomique, University Hospital Rennes, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolism and Cancer)
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory
| | - Renaud Bouvet
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Rennes University Hospital
- Institut du droit public et de la science politique - EA 4640, University Rennes, Rennes, France
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Pharmacological and biotransformation studies of 1-acyl-substituted derivatives of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Neuropharmacology 2019; 172:107856. [PMID: 31756337 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The ergoline d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is one of the most potent psychedelic drugs. 1-Acetyl-LSD (ALD-52), a derivative of LSD containing an acetyl group on the indole nitrogen, also produces psychedelic effects in humans and has about the same potency as LSD. Recently, several other 1-acyl-substitued LSD derivatives, including 1-propanoyl-LSD (1P-LSD) and 1-butanoyl-LSD (1B-LSD), have appeared as designer drugs. Although these compounds are assumed to act as prodrugs for LSD, studies have not specifically tested this prediction. The present investigation was conducted to address the gap of information about the pharmacological effects and mechanism-of-action of 1-acyl-substituted LSD derivatives. Competitive binding studies and calcium mobilization assays were performed to assess the interaction of ALD-52, 1P-LSD, and 1B-LSD with serotonin 5-HT2 receptor subtypes. A receptorome screening was performed with 1B-LSD to assess its binding to other potential targets. Head twitch response (HTR) studies were performed in C57BL/6J mice to assess in vivo activation of 5-HT2A (the receptor thought to be primarily responsible for hallucinogenesis). Finally, liquid chromatography/ion-trap mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was used to quantify plasma levels of LSD in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with ALD-52 and 1P-LSD. 1-Acyl-substitution reduced the affinity of LSD for most monoamine receptors, including 5-HT2A sites, by one to two orders of magnitude. Although LSD acts as an agonist at 5-HT2 subtypes, ALD-52, 1P-LSD and 1B-LSD have weak efficacy or act as antagonists in Ca2+-mobilization assays. Despite the detrimental effect of 1-acyl substitution on 5-HT2A affinity and efficacy, 1-acyl-substitued LSD derivatives induce head twitches in mice with relatively high potency. High levels of LSD were detected in the plasma of rats after subcutaneous administration of ALD-52 and 1P-LSD, demonstrating these compounds are rapidly and efficiently deacylated in vivo. These findings are consistent with the prediction that ALD-52, 1P-LSD and 1B-LSD serve as prodrugs for LSD. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.
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Grumann C, Henkel K, Stratford A, Hermanns-Clausen M, Passie T, Brandt SD, Auwärter V. Validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the quantitative analysis of 1P-LSD and its tentative metabolite LSD in fortified urine and serum samples including stability tests for 1P-LSD under different storage conditions. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2019; 174:270-276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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10
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Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is the most potent hallucinogen known and its pharmacological effect results from stimulation of central serotonin receptors (5-HT2). Since LSD is seen as physiologically safe compound with low toxicity, its use in therapeutics has been renewed during the last few years. This review aims to discuss LSD metabolism, by presenting all metabolites as well as clinical and toxicological relevance. LSD is rapidly and extensively metabolized into inactive metabolites; whose detection window is higher than parent compound. The metabolite 2-oxo-3-hydroxy LSD is the major human metabolite, which detection and quantification is important for clinical and forensic toxicology. Indeed, information about LSD pharmacokinetics in humans is limited and for this reason, more research studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Filipe Libânio Osório Marta
- Department of Sciences, INFACTS - Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL , Gandra , Portugal.,Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
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Holze F, Duthaler U, Vizeli P, Müller F, Borgwardt S, Liechti ME. Pharmacokinetics and subjective effects of a novel oral LSD formulation in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 85:1474-1483. [PMID: 30883864 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the present study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics and exposure-subjective response relationship of a novel oral solution of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) that was developed for clinical use in research and patients. METHOD LSD (100 μg) was administered in 27 healthy subjects using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over design. Plasma levels of LSD, nor-LSD, and 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD (O-H-LSD) and subjective drug effects were assessed up to 11.5 hours. RESULTS First-order elimination kinetics were observed for LSD. Geometric mean maximum concentration (Cmax ) values (range) of 1.7 (1.0-2.9) ng/mL were reached at a tmax (range) of 1.7 (1.0-3.4) hours after drug administration. The plasma half-life (t1/2 ) was 3.6 (2.4-7.3) hours. The AUC∞ was 13 (7.1-28) ng·h/mL. No differences in these pharmacokinetic parameters were found between male and female subjects. Plasma O-H-LSD but not nor-LSD (< 0.01 ng/mL) concentrations could be quantified in all subjects. Geometric mean O-H-LSD Cmax values (range) of 0.11 (0.07-0.19) ng/mL were reached at a tmax (range) of 5 (3.2-8) hours. The t1/2 and AUC∞ values of O-H-LSD were 5.2 (2.6-21) hours and 1.7 (0.85-4.3) ng·h/mL, respectively. The subjective effects of LSD lasted (mean ± SD) for 8.5 ± 2.0 hours (range: 5.3-12.8 h), and peak effects were reached 2.5 ± 0.6 hours (range 1.6-4.3 h) after drug administration. EC50 values were 1.0 ± 0.5 ng/mL and 1.9 ± 1.0 ng/mL for "good" and "bad" subjective drug effects, respectively. CONCLUSION The present study characterized the pharmacokinetics of LSD and its main metabolite O-H-LSD. The subjective effects of LSD were closely associated with changes in plasma concentrations over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Holze
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Urs Duthaler
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Felix Müller
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Luethi D, Hoener MC, Krähenbühl S, Liechti ME, Duthaler U. Cytochrome P450 enzymes contribute to the metabolism of LSD to nor-LSD and 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD: Implications for clinical LSD use. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 164:129-138. [PMID: 30981875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.04.013] [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: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, experimental research on lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in humans has gained new momentum. In humans, LSD is metabolized rapidly into several metabolites but knowledge of the involved metabolizing enzymes is limited. The aim of the current study was to identify the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms involved in the metabolism of LSD to 6-norlysergic acid diethylamide (nor-LSD) and 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD (O-H-LSD) in vitro, in order to evaluate potential effects of enzyme polymorphisms or prescription drugs on LSD pharmacokinetics. Additionally, interactions of LSD and both metabolites with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors were assessed. LSD was incubated with human liver microsomes over 4 h and the production of nor-LSD and O-H-LSD was quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolism was inhibited by the addition of specific CYP inhibitors. Additionally, recombinant CYPs were used to verify the inhibition results obtained with microsomes and induction of metabolism was investigated in human hepatocyte-derived cells. Radioligand binding and calcium mobilization assays were used to determine 5-HT receptor affinities and activities, respectively. Human liver microsomes displayed minor metabolite formation (<1% metabolized) over 4 h. CYP2D6, 2E1, and 3A4 significantly contributed to the formation of nor-LSD, and CYP1A2, 2C9, 2E1, and 3A4 were significantly involved in the formation of O-H-LSD. These findings could be verified using recombinant CYPs. Enzyme induction with rifampicin distinctly increased the formation of both metabolites, whereas treatment with omeprazole only slightly increased formation of nor-LSD. LSD and nor-LSD were pharmacologically active at the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors. Nor-LSD mainly differed from the parent compound by having a lower affinity to the 5-HT2C receptor. O-H-LSD displayed substantially weaker affinity and activity at serotonergic receptors in comparison to LSD. To conclude, human liver microsomes converted only small amounts of LSD to nor-LSD and O-H-LSD but several CYPs significantly contributed. Genetic polymorphisms and drug interactions could therefore influence pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LSD. Nor-LSD likely has hallucinogenic activity similar to LSD, whereas O-H-LSD is inactive. Drug-drug interaction studies in humans are required to further assess the clinical relevance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Luethi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marius C Hoener
- Neuroscience Research, pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Krähenbühl
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Urs Duthaler
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Wagmann L, Richter LHJ, Kehl T, Wack F, Bergstrand MP, Brandt SD, Stratford A, Maurer HH, Meyer MR. In vitro metabolic fate of nine LSD-based new psychoactive substances and their analytical detectability in different urinary screening procedures. Anal Bioanal Chem 2019; 411:4751-4763. [PMID: 30617391 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1558-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The market of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is characterized by a high turnover and thus provides several challenges for analytical toxicology. The analysis of urine samples often requires detailed knowledge about metabolism given that parent compounds either may be present only in small amounts or may not even be excreted. Hence, knowledge of the metabolism of NPS is a prerequisite for the development of reliable analytical methods. The main aim of this work was to elucidate for the first time the pooled human liver S9 fraction metabolism of the nine d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) derivatives 1-acetyl-LSD (ALD-52), 1-propionyl-LSD (1P-LSD), 1-butyryl-LSD (1B-LSD), N6-ethyl-nor-LSD (ETH-LAD), 1-propionyl-N6-ethyl-nor-LSD (1P-ETH-LAD), N6-allyl-nor-LSD (AL-LAD), N-ethyl-N-cyclopropyl lysergamide (ECPLA), (2'S,4'S)-lysergic acid 2,4-dimethylazetidide (LSZ), and lysergic acid morpholide (LSM-775) by means of liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Identification of the monooxygenase enzymes involved in the initial metabolic steps was performed using recombinant human enzymes and their contribution confirmed by inhibition experiments. Overall, N-dealkylation and hydroxylation, as well as combinations of these steps predominantly catalyzed by CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, were found. For ALD-52, 1P-LSD, and 1B-LSD, deacylation to LSD was observed. The obtained mass spectral data of all metabolites are essential for reliable analytical detection particularly in urinalysis and for differentiation of the LSD-like compounds as biotransformations also led to structurally identical metabolites. However, in urine of rats after the administration of expected recreational doses and using standard urine screening approaches, parent drugs or metabolites could not be detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Wagmann
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Lilian H J Richter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Kehl
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Wack
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Madeleine Pettersson Bergstrand
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421, Homburg, Germany.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byron Street, Liverpool, L33AF, UK
| | | | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
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14
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Müller F, Dolder PC, Schmidt A, Liechti ME, Borgwardt S. Altered network hub connectivity after acute LSD administration. Neuroimage Clin 2018; 18:694-701. [PMID: 29560311 PMCID: PMC5857492 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
LSD is an ambiguous substance, said to mimic psychosis and to improve mental health in people suffering from anxiety and depression. Little is known about the neuronal correlates of altered states of consciousness induced by this substance. Limited previous studies indicated profound changes in functional connectivity of resting state networks after the administration of LSD. The current investigation attempts to replicate and extend those findings in an independent sample. In a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study, 100 μg LSD and placebo were orally administered to 20 healthy participants. Resting state brain activity was assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Within-network and between-network connectivity measures of ten established resting state networks were compared between drug conditions. Complementary analysis were conducted using resting state networks as sources in seed-to-voxel analyses. Acute LSD administration significantly decreased functional connectivity within visual, sensorimotor and auditory networks and the default mode network. While between-network connectivity was widely increased and all investigated networks were affected to some extent, seed-to-voxel analyses consistently indicated increased connectivity between networks and subcortical (thalamus, striatum) and cortical (precuneus, anterior cingulate cortex) hub structures. These latter observations are consistent with findings on the importance of hubs in psychopathological states, especially in psychosis, and could underlay therapeutic effects of hallucinogens as proposed by a recent model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Müller
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Basel 4012, Switzerland
| | - Patrick C Dolder
- University of Basel, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - André Schmidt
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Basel 4012, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- University of Basel, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Basel 4012, Switzerland.
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15
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Schmid Y, Liechti ME. Long-lasting subjective effects of LSD in normal subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:535-545. [PMID: 28918441 PMCID: PMC5813062 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4733-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and other serotonergic hallucinogens can induce profound alterations of consciousness and mystical-type experiences, with reportedly long-lasting effects on subjective well-being and personality. METHODS We investigated the lasting effects of a single dose of LSD (200 μg) that was administered in a laboratory setting in 16 healthy participants. The following outcome measures were assessed before and 1 and 12 months after LSD administration: Persisting Effects Questionnaire (PEQ), Mysticism Scale (MS), Death Transcendence Scale (DTS), NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS On the PEQ, positive attitudes about life and/or self, positive mood changes, altruistic/positive social effects, positive behavioral changes, and well-being/life satisfaction significantly increased at 1 and 12 months and were subjectively attributed by the subjects to the LSD experience. Five-Dimensions of Altered States of Consciousness (5D-ASC) total scores, reflecting acutely induced alterations in consciousness, and Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) total scores correlated with changes in well-being/life satisfaction 12 months after LSD administration. No changes in negative attitudes, negative mood, antisocial/negative social effects, or negative behavior were attributed to the LSD experience. After 12 months, 10 of 14 participants rated their LSD experience as among the top 10 most meaningful experiences in their lives. Five participants rated the LSD experience among the five most spiritually meaningful experiences in their lives. On the MS and DTS, ratings of mystical experiences significantly increased 1 and 12 months after LSD administration compared with the pre-LSD screening. No relevant changes in personality measures were found. CONCLUSIONS In healthy research subjects, the administration of a single dose of LSD (200 μg) in a safe setting was subjectively considered a personally meaningful experience that had long-lasting subjective positive effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration identification number: NCT01878942.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Schmid
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Dolder PC, Grünblatt E, Müller F, Borgwardt SJ, Liechti ME. A Single Dose of LSD Does Not Alter Gene Expression of the Serotonin 2A Receptor Gene ( HTR2A) or Early Growth Response Genes ( EGR1-3) in Healthy Subjects. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:423. [PMID: 28701958 PMCID: PMC5487530 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Renewed interest has been seen in the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in psychiatric research and practice. The repeated use of LSD leads to tolerance that is believed to result from serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2A receptor downregulation. In rats, daily LSD administration for 4 days decreased frontal cortex 5-HT2A receptor binding. Additionally, a single dose of LSD acutely increased expression of the early growth response genes EGR1 and EGR2 in rat and mouse brains through 5-HT2A receptor stimulation. No human data on the effects of LSD on gene expression has been reported. Therefore, we investigated the effects of single-dose LSD administration on the expression of the 5-HT2A receptor gene (HTR2A) and EGR1-3 genes. Methods: mRNA expression levels were analyzed in whole blood as a peripheral biomarker in 15 healthy subjects before and 1.5 and 24 h after the administration of LSD (100 μg) and placebo in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Results: LSD did not alter the expression of the HTR2A or EGR1-3 genes 1.5 and 24 h after administration compared with placebo. Conclusion: No changes were observed in the gene expression of LSD’s primary target receptor gene or genes that are implicated in its downstream effects. Remaining unclear is whether chronic LSD administration alters gene expression in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Dolder
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of BaselBasel, Switzerland
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH ZurichZurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Müller
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken Basel), University of BaselBasel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan J Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken Basel), University of BaselBasel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of BaselBasel, Switzerland
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17
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Dolder PC, Liechti ME, Rentsch KM. Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method to quantify lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), iso-LSD, 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD, and nor-LSD and identify novel metabolites in plasma samples in a controlled clinical trial. J Clin Lab Anal 2017; 32. [PMID: 28548305 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a widely used recreational drug. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of LSD, iso-LSD, 2-oxo-3-hydroxy LSD (O-H-LSD), and nor-LSD in plasma samples from 24 healthy subjects after controlled administration of 100 μg LSD in a clinical trial. In addition, metabolites that have been recently described in in vitro studies, including lysergic acid monoethylamide (LAE), lysergic acid ethyl-2-hydroxyethylamide (LEO), 2-oxo-LSD, trioxylated-LSD, and 13/14-hydroxy-LSD, should be identified. METHODS Separation of LSD and its metabolites was achieved on a reversed phase chromatography column after turbulent-flow online extraction. For the identification and quantification, a triple-stage quadrupole LC-MS/MS instrument was used. RESULTS The validation data showed slight matrix effects for LSD, iso-LSD, O-H-LSD, or nor-LSD. Mean intraday and interday accuracy and precision were 105%/4.81% and 105%/4.35% for LSD, 98.7%/5.75% and 99.4%/7.21% for iso-LSD, 106%/4.54% and 99.4%/7.21% for O-H-LSD, and 107%/5.82% and 102%/5.88% for nor-LSD, respectively. The limit of quantification was 0.05 ng/mL for LSD, iso-LSD, and nor-LSD and 0.1 ng/mL for O-H-LSD. The limit of detection was 0.01 ng/mL for all compounds. CONCLUSION The method described herein was accurate, precise, and the calibration range within the range of expected plasma concentrations. LSD was quantified in the plasma samples of the 24 subjects of the clinical trial, whereas iso-LSD, O-H-LSD, nor-LSD, LAE, LEO, 13/14-hydroxy-LSD, and 2-oxo-LSD could only sporadically be detected but were too low for quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Dolder
- Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina M Rentsch
- Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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