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Clauss NJ, Mayer FP, Owens WA, Vitela M, Clarke KM, Bowman MA, Horton RE, Gründemann D, Schmid D, Holy M, Gould GG, Koek W, Sitte HH, Daws LC. Ethanol inhibits dopamine uptake via organic cation transporter 3: Implications for ethanol and cocaine co-abuse. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2934-2945. [PMID: 37308680 PMCID: PMC10615754 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02064-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Concurrent cocaine and alcohol use is among the most frequent drug combination, and among the most dangerous in terms of deleterious outcomes. Cocaine increases extracellular monoamines by blocking dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) transporters (DAT, NET and SERT, respectively). Likewise, ethanol also increases extracellular monoamines, however evidence suggests that ethanol does so independently of DAT, NET and SERT. Organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) is an emergent key player in the regulation of monoamine signaling. Using a battery of in vitro, in vivo electrochemical, and behavioral approaches, as well as wild-type and constitutive OCT3 knockout mice, we show that ethanol's actions to inhibit monoamine uptake are dependent on OCT3. These findings provide a novel mechanistic basis whereby ethanol enhances the neurochemical and behavioral effects of cocaine and encourage further research into OCT3 as a target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of ethanol and ethanol/cocaine use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Clauss
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - F P Mayer
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
| | - W A Owens
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - M Vitela
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - K M Clarke
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - M A Bowman
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - R E Horton
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - D Gründemann
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Schmid
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Holy
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - G G Gould
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - W Koek
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - H H Sitte
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Addiction Research and Science, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13 A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - L C Daws
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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2
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Neuroplasticity and Multilevel System of Connections Determine the Integrative Role of Nucleus Accumbens in the Brain Reward System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189806. [PMID: 34575969 PMCID: PMC8471564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a significant role not only in the physiological processes associated with reward and satisfaction but also in many diseases of the central nervous system. Summary of the current state of knowledge on the morphological and functional basis of such a diverse function of this structure may be a good starting point for further basic and clinical research. The NAc is a part of the brain reward system (BRS) characterized by multilevel organization, extensive connections, and several neurotransmitter systems. The unique role of NAc in the BRS is a result of: (1) hierarchical connections with the other brain areas, (2) a well-developed morphological and functional plasticity regulating short- and long-term synaptic potentiation and signalling pathways, (3) cooperation among several neurotransmitter systems, and (4) a supportive role of neuroglia involved in both physiological and pathological processes. Understanding the complex function of NAc is possible by combining the results of morphological studies with molecular, genetic, and behavioral data. In this review, we present the current views on the NAc function in physiological conditions, emphasizing the role of its connections, neuroplasticity processes, and neurotransmitter systems.
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Buzhdygan TP, Rodrigues CR, McGary HM, Khan JA, Andrews AM, Rawls SM, Ramirez SH. The psychoactive drug of abuse mephedrone differentially disrupts blood-brain barrier properties. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:63. [PMID: 33648543 PMCID: PMC7923670 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02116-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Synthetic cathinones are a category of psychostimulants belonging to the growing number of designer drugs also known as “Novel Psychoactive Substances” (NPS). In recent years, NPS have gained popularity in the recreational drug market due to their amphetamine-like stimulant effects, low cost, ease of availability, and lack of detection by conventional toxicology screening. All these factors have led to an increase in NPS substance abuse among the young adults, followed by spike of overdose-related fatalities and adverse effects, severe neurotoxicity, and cerebral vascular complications. Much remains unknown about how synthetic cathinones negatively affect the CNS and the status of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Methods We used in vitro models of the BBB and primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMVEC) to investigate the effects of the synthetic cathinone, 4-methyl methcathinone (mephedrone), on BBB properties. Results We showed that mephedrone exposure resulted in the loss of barrier properties and endothelial dysfunction of primary hBMVEC. Increased permeability and decreased transendothelial electrical resistance of the endothelial barrier were attributed to changes in key proteins involved in the tight junction formation. Elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinases, angiogenic growth factors, and inflammatory cytokines can be explained by TLR-4-dependent activation of NF-κB signaling. Conclusions In this first characterization of the effects of a synthetic cathinone on human brain endothelial cells, it appears clear that mephedrone-induced damage of the BBB is not limited by the disruption of the barrier properties but also include endothelial activation and inflammation. This may especially be important in comorbid situations of mephedrone abuse and HIV-1 infections. In this context, mephedrone could negatively affect HIV-1 neuroinvasion and NeuroAIDS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana P Buzhdygan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.,Center for Substance Abuse Research, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Cassidy R Rodrigues
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Hannah M McGary
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jana A Khan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Allison M Andrews
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Servio H Ramirez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA. .,Center for Substance Abuse Research, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA. .,Shriners Hospital Pediatric Research Center, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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4
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Abbasi Y, Mousavizadeh K, Shabani R, Katebi M, Mehdizadeh M. Behavioral Changes in Combination Therapy of Ethanol and Modafinil on Rats Focal Cerebral Ischemia. Basic Clin Neurosci 2020; 11:269-278. [PMID: 32963720 PMCID: PMC7502185 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.11.3.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Ethanol is considered as an effective agent in reducing brain stroke injury. In this study, we assessed the effects of modafinil along with ethanol as a combination therapy on behavioral function in Wistar rats. Methods: The right Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) was performed and the rats were divided into nine groups (n=8 per group). The animal groups in this study were as follows: 1. MCAO control group (ischemia without treatment); 2. Vehicle group; 3. Modafinil group that was randomly subdivided into three groups receiving different doses of modafinil (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) for 7 days before MCAO; 4. Ethanol group receiving 1.5 g/kg ethanol at the time of reperfusion; 5. Modafinil + ethanol group that was further subdivided into three groups receiving modafinil at different doses (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) for 7 days before MCAO and ethanol at the time of reperfusion. The motor behavior was measured using the Garcia test 24, 48, and 72 h after the ischemia, and the elevated body swing test was performed 48 and 72 h after the ischemia. The anxiety and locomotor activity were analyzed by open field test 48 and 72 h post-ischemia. Results: The results showed that the neurological deficit score, locomotor activity, and unexpected thigmotaxis (anxiety) in the ethanol, modafinil (in a dose-dependent manner), and ethanol+modafinil treatment groups were significantly higher than the MCAO control group. Conclusion: It seems that the combination therapy of modafinil (100 mg/kg) and ethanol (1.5 g/kg) significantly enhanced neuroprotection via an improvement in locomotor activity and neurological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusef Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Kazem Mousavizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Shabani
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Katebi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Synthetic cathinones – From natural plant stimulant to new drug of abuse. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 875:173012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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6
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Lin Z, Chen Y, Li J, Xu Z, Wang H, Lin J, Ye X, Zhao Z, Shen Y, Zhang Y, Zheng S, Rao Y. Pharmacokinetics of N-ethylpentylone and its effect on increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin in the nucleus accumbens of conscious rats. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12755. [PMID: 30985062 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
N-Ethylpentylone (NEP) is one of the most confiscated synthetic cathinones in the world. However, its pharmacology and pharmacokinetics remain largely unknown. In this study, the pharmacokentics of NEP in rat nucleus accumbens (NAc) was assessed via brain microdialysis after the intraperitoneal (ip) administration of NEP (20 or 50 mg/kg). The concentrations of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites, including 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were simultaneously monitored to elucidate the pharmacological effect of NEP. In addition, the plasma levels of NEP were also assessed. The pharmacokinetics of NEP showed a dose-related pattern, with NEP rapidly passing through the blood-brain barrier and reaching a maximum concentration (Cmax ) at approximately 40-minutes postdose. Approximately 4% of plasma NEP was distributed to the NAc, and considering a homogeneous brain distribution, over 90% of plasma NEP was potentially distributed to the brain. High values of area under curve (AUC) and mean residence time (MRT) of NEP were observed in both the NAc and plasma, indicating large and long-lasting effects. NEP elicited dose-related increases in microdialysate DA and 5-HT and increased the concentration of 3-MT in a dose-related manner. However, the rate of DA converted into 3-MT was unaffected. NEP had a negative effect on the rates of which DA and 5-HT were transformed into DOPAC and 5-HIAA, respectively. In summary, NEP rapidly entered the NAc and showed a long-lasting effect. In addition, DA increased more significantly than 5-HT, indicating a large potential for NEP abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebin Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan University China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan University China
| | - Yuancheng Chen
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan HospitalFudan University China
| | - Jiaolun Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan University China
| | - Zhiru Xu
- State Key Lab of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical IndustryChina State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan University China
| | - Junyi Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan University China
| | - Xing Ye
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan University China
| | - Ziqin Zhao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan University China
| | - Yiwen Shen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan University China
| | - Yurong Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Forensic ScienceShanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence China
| | - Shuiqing Zheng
- Shanghai Institute of Forensic ScienceShanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence China
| | - Yulan Rao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan University China
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Riley AL, Nelson KH, To P, López-Arnau R, Xu P, Wang D, Wang Y, Shen HW, Kuhn DM, Angoa-Perez M, Anneken JH, Muskiewicz D, Hall FS. Abuse potential and toxicity of the synthetic cathinones (i.e., “Bath salts”). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 110:150-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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8
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Papaseit E, Pérez-Mañá C, de Sousa Fernandes Perna EB, Olesti E, Mateus J, Kuypers KP, Theunissen EL, Fonseca F, Torrens M, Ramaekers JG, de la Torre R, Farré M. Mephedrone and Alcohol Interactions in Humans. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1588. [PMID: 32063845 PMCID: PMC6999687 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-MMC, mephedrone) is a synthetic cathinone derivative included in the class of new psychoactive substances. It is commonly used simultaneously with alcohol (ethanol). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interactions on subjective, cardiovascular and hormone effects and pharmacokinetics between mephedrone and alcohol in humans. Eleven male volunteers participated as outpatients in four experimental sessions in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants received a single oral dose of 200 mg of mephedrone plus 0.8 g/kg of alcohol (combination condition); 200 mg of mephedrone plus placebo alcohol (mephedrone condition); placebo mephedrone plus 0.8 g/kg of ethanol (alcohol condition); and placebo mephedrone plus placebo alcohol (placebo condition). Outcome variables included physiological (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and pupil diameter), psychomotor (Maddox wing), subjective (visual analogue scales, Addiction Research Center Inventory 49 item short form, and Valoración de los Efectos Subjetivos de Sustancias con Potencial de Abuso questionnaire), and pharmacokinetic parameters (mephedrone and ethanol concentrations). The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02294266. The mephedrone and alcohol combination produced an increase in the cardiovascular effects of mephedrone and induced a more intense feeling of euphoria and well-being in comparison to the two drugs alone. Mephedrone reduced the sedative effects produced by alcohol. These results are similar to those obtained when other psychostimulants such as amphetamines and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are combined simultaneously with alcohol. The abuse liability of mephedrone combined with alcohol is greater than that induced by mephedrone alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Papaseit
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Mañá
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | - Eulalia Olesti
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julian Mateus
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kim Pc Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Eef L Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Francina Fonseca
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions, Addiction Unit and IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions, Addiction Unit and IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jan G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), CIBEROBN, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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Dopaminergic Effects of Major Bath Salt Constituents 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), Mephedrone, and Methylone Are Enhanced Following Co-exposure. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:132-143. [PMID: 30879275 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Designer drug mixtures popularized as "bath salts" often contain the synthetic cathinones 3,4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), mephedrone, and methylone in various combinations. However, most preclinical investigations have only assessed the effects of individual bath salt constituents, and little is known about whether co-exposure to MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone produces significant neuropharmacological interactions. This study evaluated and compared how MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone influence discrete brain tissue dopamine (DA) levels and motor stimulant responses in mice when administered alone and as a ternary mixture. Male adolescent Swiss-Webster mice received intraperitoneal injections of saline or 1 or 10 mg/kg doses of MDPV, mephedrone, or methylone, or a cocktail of all three cathinones at doses of 1, 3.3, or 10 mg/kg each. The effect of each treatment on DA and DA metabolite levels in mesolimbic and nigrostriatal brain tissue was quantified 15 min after a single exposure using HPLC-ECD. Additionally, locomotor activity was recorded in mice after acute (day 1) and chronic intermittent (day 7) dosing. MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone produced dose-related increases in mesolimbic and nigrostriatal DA levels that were significantly enhanced following their co-administration. In addition, mice treated with the cathinone cocktail displayed decreased locomotor activity on day 1 that was exacerbated by day 7 and not observed with any of the drugs alone. Our findings demonstrate a significant enhanced effect of MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone on both DA, and these effects on DA result in significant alterations in locomotor activity.
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10
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Bath salts and polyconsumption: in search of drug-drug interactions. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1001-1014. [PMID: 30911791 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05213-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE Polydrug use is a widespread phenomenon, especially among adolescents and young adults. Synthetic cathinones are frequently consumed in combination with other drugs of abuse. However, there is very little information regarding the consequences of this specific consumption pattern. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review is to introduce this topic and highlight the gaps in the existing literature. In three different sections, we focus on specific interactions of synthetic cathinones with alcohol, cannabinoids, and the stimulants nicotine and cocaine. We then dedicate a section to the existence of sex and gender differences in the effects of synthetic cathinones and the long-term psychophysiological consequences of adolescent and prenatal exposure to these drugs. MAJOR FINDINGS Epidemiological studies, case reports, and results obtained in animal models point to the existence of pharmacological and pharmacokinetic interactions between synthetic cathinones and other drugs of abuse. This pattern of polyconsumption can cause the potentiation of negative effects, and the dissociation between objective and subjective effects can increase the combined use of the drugs and the risk of toxicity leading to serious health problems. Certain animal studies indicate a higher vulnerability and effect of cathinones in females. In humans, most of the users are men and case reports show long-term psychotic symptoms after repeated use. CONCLUSIONS The co-use of synthetic cathinones and the other drugs of abuse analyzed indicates potentiation of diverse effects including dependence and addiction, neurotoxicity, and impaired cognition and emotional responses. The motivations for and effects of synthetic cathinone use appear to be influenced by sex/gender. The long-term consequences of their use by adolescents and pregnant women deserve further investigation.
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