1
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Doyle MR, Beltran NM, Bushnell MSA, Syed M, Acosta V, Desai M, Rice KC, Serafine KM, Gould GG, Daws LC, Collins GT. Effects of access condition on substance use disorder-like phenotypes in male and female rats self-administering MDPV or cocaine. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 263:112408. [PMID: 39141975 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.112408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a heterogeneous disorder, where severity, symptoms, and patterns of use vary across individuals. Yet, when rats self-administer cocaine under short-access conditions, their behavior tends to be well-regulated, though individual differences can emerge with long- or intermittent-access. In contrast, significant individual differences emerge when rats self-administer 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), even under short-access conditions, wherein ~30 % of rats exhibit high levels of drug-taking. This study assessed SUD-like phenotypes of male and female rats self-administering MDPV or cocaine by comparing level of drug intake, responding during periods of signaled drug unavailability, and sensitivity to footshock punishment to determine whether: (1) under short-access conditions, rats that self-administer MDPV will exhibit a more robust SUD-like phenotype than rats that self-administer cocaine; (2) female rats will have a more severe phenotype than male rats; and (3) compared to short-access, long- and intermittent-access to MDPV or cocaine self-administration will result in a more robust SUD-like phenotype. Compared to cocaine, rats that self-administered MDPV exhibited a more severe phenotype, even under short-access conditions. Long- and intermittent-access to cocaine and MDPV temporarily altered drug-taking patterns but did not systematically change SUD-like phenotypes. Behavioral and quantitative autoradiography studies suggest phenotypic differences are not due to expression of dopamine transporter, dopamine D2 or D3 receptors, or 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, or 5-HT2C receptors. This study suggests individuals who use synthetic cathinones may be at greater risk for developing a SUD, and short-access MDPV self-administration may provide a useful method to study the transition to disordered substance use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Doyle
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Nina M Beltran
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Mark S A Bushnell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Maaz Syed
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Valeria Acosta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Marisa Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Georgianna G Gould
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lynette C Daws
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gregory T Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Bassi M, Bilel S, Tirri M, Corli G, Di Rosa F, Gregori A, Alkilany AM, Rachid O, Roda E, De Luca F, Papa P, Buscaglia E, Zauli G, Locatelli CA, Marti M. The synthetic cathinones MDPHP and MDPV: Comparison of the acute effects in mice, in silico ADMET profiles and clinical reports. Neurotoxicology 2024; 103:230-255. [PMID: 38955288 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.06.014] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The 3,4-methylenedioxy-alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (MDPHP) is a synthetic cathinone closely related to 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), one of the most common synthetic cathinones present in the "bath salts". MDPHP has recently gained attention due to increasing seizures and involvement in human intoxications which occurred in Europe and Italy in the last years, but currently there is a lack of information about its pharmaco-toxicological effects. With the aim at filling this gap, the present study is endeavoured to (i) evaluate the effects of acute administration of MDPHP (0.01-20 mg/kg; i.p.) on behaviour, cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular parameters in CD-1 male mice, comparing them to those observed after administration of MDPV; (ii) predict the ADMET profile of the two analogues using the Plus ADMET Predictor®; (iii) present clinical data related to MDPHP and MDPV-induced intoxications recorded between 2011 and 2023 by the Pavia Poison Control Centre (PCC) - National Toxicology Information Centre (Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia, Italy). Our results substantiated that MDPHP and MDPV similarly affect sensorimotor and behavioural responses in mice, importantly increased locomotion and induced aggressive behaviour, and, at higher dosage, increased heart rate and blood pressure. These findings are in line with those observed in humans, revealing severe toxidromes typically characterized by Central Nervous System (CNS) alterations (behavioural/neuropsychiatric symptoms), including psychomotor agitation and aggressiveness, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders (e.g. tachycardia, hypertension, dyspnoea), and other peripheral symptoms (e.g. hyperthermia, acidosis, rhabdomyolysis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bassi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - 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
| | - Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabiana Di Rosa
- Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), Carabinieri, Rome 00191, Italy
| | - Adolfo Gregori
- Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), Carabinieri, Rome 00191, Italy
| | - Alaaldin M Alkilany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Qatar
| | - Ousama Rachid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Qatar
| | - Elisa Roda
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio De Luca
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Pietro Papa
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology-Clinical Chemistry, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Buscaglia
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlo Alessandro Locatelli
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ferrara, Italy.
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3
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Chen S, Zhou W, Lai M. Synthetic Cathinones: Epidemiology, Toxicity, Potential for Abuse, and Current Public Health Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:334. [PMID: 38671986 PMCID: PMC11048581 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, derived from cathinone found in the plant Catha edulis, represent the second largest and most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are considered as β-keto analogs of amphetamine, sharing pharmacological effects with amphetamine and cocaine. This review describes the neurotoxic properties of synthetic cathinones, encompassing their capacity to induce neuroinflammation, dysregulate neurotransmitter systems, and alter monoamine transporters and receptors. Additionally, it discusses the rewarding and abuse potential of synthetic cathinones drawing from findings obtained through various preclinical animal models, contextualized with other classical psychostimulants. The review also offers an overview of current abuse trends of synthetic cathinones on the illicit drug market, specifying the aspects covered, and underscores the risks they pose to public health. Finally, the review discusses public health initiatives and efforts to reduce the hazards of synthetic cathinones, including harm reduction methods, education, and current clinical management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
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Javadi-Paydar M, Kerr TM, Taffe MA. Hyperactivity Induced By Vapor Inhalation of Nicotine in Male and Female Rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.12.579996. [PMID: 38405720 PMCID: PMC10888868 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.12.579996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Rationale Preclinical models of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS; "e-cigarette") use have been rare, so there is an urgent need to develop experimental approaches to evaluate their effects. Objective To contrast the impact of inhaled nicotine across sex. Methods Male and female Wistar rats were exposed to vapor from a propylene glycol vehicle (PG), nicotine (NIC; 1-30 mg/mL in PG), or were injected with NIC (0.1-0.8 mg/kg, s.c.), and then assessed for changes in temperature and activity. The antagonist mecamylamine (2 mg/kg) was administered prior to NIC to verify pharmacological specificity. Plasma levels of nicotine and cotinine were determined after inhalation and injection. Results Activity increased in females for ~60 minutes after nicotine inhalation, and this was blocked by mecamylamine. A similar magnitude of hyperlocomotion was observed after s.c. administration. Body temperature was reduced after nicotine inhalation by female rats but mecamylamine increased this hypothermia. Increased locomotor activity was observed in male rats if inhalation was extended to 40 minutes or when multiple inhalation epochs were used per session. The temperature of male rats was not altered by nicotine. Plasma nicotine concentrations were slightly lower in male rats than in female rats after 30-minute nicotine vapor inhalation and slightly higher after nicotine injection (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.). Conclusions Nicotine inhalation increases locomotor activity in male and female rats to a similar or greater extent than by subcutaneous injection. Sex differences were observed, which may be related to lower nicotine plasma levels, lower baseline activity and/or a higher vehicle response in males.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tony M. Kerr
- Department of Neuroscience; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A. Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego; La Jolla, CA, USA
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5
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Angoa-Perez M, Kuhn DM. The pharmacology and neurotoxicology of synthetic cathinones. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 99:61-82. [PMID: 38467489 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The synthetic cathinones are man-made compounds derived from the naturally occurring drug cathinone, which is found in the khat plant. The drugs in this pharmacological class that will be the focus of this chapter include mephedrone, MDPV, methcathinone and methylone. These drugs are colloquially known as "bath salts". This misnomer suggests that these drugs are used for health improvement or that they have legitimate medical uses. The synthetic cathinones are dangerous drugs with powerful pharmacological effects that include high abuse potential, hyperthermia and hyperlocomotion. These drugs also share many of the pharmacological effects of the amphetamine class of drugs including methamphetamine, amphetamine and MDMA and therefore have high potential to cause damage to the central nervous system. The synthetic cathinones are frequently taken in combination with other psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, marijuana and the amphetamine-like stimulants, creating a situation where heightened pharmacological and neurotoxicological effects are likely to occur. Despite the structural features shared by the synthetic cathinones and amphetamine-like stimulants, including their actions at monoamine transporters and receptors, the effects of the synthetic cathinones do not always match those of the amphetamines. In particular, the synthetic cathinones are far less neurotoxic than their amphetamine counterparts, they produce a weaker hyperthermia, and they cause less glial activation. This chapter will briefly review the pharmacology and neurotoxicology of selected synthetic cathinones with the aim of delineating key areas of agreement and disagreement in the literature particularly as it relates to neurotoxicological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Perez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.
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Gannon BM, Fitzgerald LR, Godwin CO, Hughes-Meredith HD, Rice KC, Fantegrossi WE. Effects of ambient temperature on locomotor activity and place conditioning elicited by abused psychostimulants in mice: Role of 3,4-methylenedioxy moiety. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 250:110917. [PMID: 37579623 PMCID: PMC10481935 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans often administer psychostimulants in party or music festival settings characterized by warm ambient temperatures, which may impact drug effects; however, preclinical studies rarely investigate drug effects at multiple ambient temperatures. Work with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) suggests that the presence of a 3,4-methylenedioxy ring moiety may influence ambient temperature-dependent effects. METHODS Locomotor activity and conditioned place preference dose-response curves were generated at 20±2°C for two amphetamine analogues (MDMA and methamphetamine [METH]) and two cathinone analogues (MDPV and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone [αPVP]) in mice. Effects were then redetermined at 29±2°C for each drug and assay. RESULTS All four drugs elicited dose-dependent locomotor stimulation at the cool ambient temperature. At the warm ambient temperature, MDMA and MDPV produced sensitization to stereotypy, whereas METH and αPVP produced sensitization to locomotor activity. Regarding place conditioning, the warm ambient environment potentiated place preference elicited by doses of METH and αPVP that were sub-threshold in the cool ambient environment, but attenuated the effects of analogous doses of MDMA and MDPV. CONCLUSIONS These studies suggest that warmer ambient temperatures may potentiate typical stimulant effects for the drugs lacking the 3,4-methylenedioxy ring, but may potentiate the behaviorally toxic/adverse effects for the drugs containing a 3,4-methylenedioxy ring. Thus, preclinical abuse liability studies conducted at standard laboratory temperatures may not fully capture the effects of psychostimulants and highlight the need to model the environments in which drugs are typically used by humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda M Gannon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Lauren R Fitzgerald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Christopher O Godwin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Heidi D Hughes-Meredith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Chemical Biology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William E Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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7
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Angoa-Pérez M, Zagorac B, Francescutti DM, Shaffer ZD, Theis KR, Kuhn DM. Cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine methiodide and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) cause distinct alterations in the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13754. [PMID: 37612353 PMCID: PMC10447462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40892-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug of abuse that constitutes an ongoing public health threat. Emerging research is revealing that numerous peripheral effects of this drug may serve as conditioned stimuli for its central reinforcing properties. The gut microbiota is emerging as one of these peripheral sources of input to cocaine reward. The primary objective of the present study was to determine how cocaine HCl and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, both of which powerfully activate central reward pathways, alter the gut microbiota. Cocaine methiodide, a quaternary derivative of cocaine that does not enter the brain, was included to assess peripheral influences on the gut microbiota. Both cocaine congeners caused significant and similar alterations of the gut microbiota after a 10-day course of treatment. Contrary to expectations, the effects of cocaine HCl and MDPV on the gut microbiota were most dissimilar. Functional predictions of metabolic alterations caused by the treatment drugs reaffirmed that the cocaine congeners were similar whereas MDPV was most dissimilar from the other two drugs and controls. It appears that the monoamine transporters in the gut mediate the effects of the treatment drugs. The effects of the cocaine congeners and MDPV on the gut microbiome may form the basis of interoceptive cues that can influence their abuse properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Branislava Zagorac
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Dina M Francescutti
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zachary D Shaffer
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kevin R Theis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Zhou J, Deng W, Chen C, Kang J, Yang X, Dou Z, Wu J, Li Q, Jiang M, Liang M, Han Y. Methcathinone Increases Visually-evoked Neuronal Activity and Enhances Sensory Processing Efficiency in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:602-616. [PMID: 36449230 PMCID: PMC10073404 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00965-z] [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: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Methcathinone (MCAT) belongs to the designer drugs called synthetic cathinones, which are abused worldwide for recreational purposes. It has strong stimulant effects, including enhanced euphoria, sensation, alertness, and empathy. However, little is known about how MCAT modulates neuronal activity in vivo. Here, we evaluated the effect of MCAT on neuronal activity with a series of functional approaches. C-Fos immunostaining showed that MCAT increased the number of activated neurons by 6-fold, especially in sensory and motor cortices, striatum, and midbrain motor nuclei. In vivo single-unit recording and two-photon Ca2+ imaging revealed that a large proportion of neurons increased spiking activity upon MCAT administration. Notably, MCAT induced a strong de-correlation of population activity and increased trial-to-trial reliability, specifically during a natural movie stimulus. It improved the information-processing efficiency by enhancing the single-neuron coding capacity, suggesting a cortical network mechanism of the enhanced perception produced by psychoactive stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Junya Kang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaodan Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhaojuan Dou
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiancheng Wu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Quancong Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Man Jiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Man Liang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100192, China.
| | - Yunyun Han
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100192, China.
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9
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Corli G, Tirri M, Arfè R, Marchetti B, Bernardi T, Borsari M, Odoardi S, Mestria S, Strano-Rossi S, Neri M, Gaudio RM, Bilel S, Marti M. Pharmaco-Toxicological Effects of Atypical Synthetic Cathinone Mephtetramine (MTTA) in Mice: Possible Reasons for Its Brief Appearance over NPSs Scene. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020161. [PMID: 36831704 PMCID: PMC9954072 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020161] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last year, NPSs have been steadily on the rise in the illicit drug market. Among these, synthetic cathinones seem to become increasingly popular among young adults, mainly because of their ability to replicate the effects of traditional psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine, MDMA and amphetamines. However, scarce data are available about the in vivo pharmaco-toxicology of these new substances. To this end, this study focused on evaluation of effects induced by repeated administration of mephtetramine (MTTA 0.1-30 mg/kg i.p.) in mice. This atypical cathinone highlighted a sensorial (inhibition of visual and acoustic reflexes) and transient physiological parameter (decrease in breath rate and temperature) change in mice. Regarding motor activity, both a dose-dependent increase (accelerod test) and biphasic effect (drag and mobility time test) have been shown. In addition, blood and urine samples have been analysed to enrich the experimental featuring of the present study with reference to evaluation of potential toxicity related to consumption of MTTA. The latter analysis has particularly revealed important changes in blood cells count and blood and urine physicochemical profile after repeated treatment with this atypical cathinone. Moreover, MTTA induced histological changes in heart, kidney and liver samples, emphasizing its potential toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Beatrice Marchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Borsari
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Odoardi
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Mestria
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Strano-Rossi
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Gaudio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 00186 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Behavioral patterns of people who use synthetic psychostimulants: Results of a qualitative study in St. Petersburg, Russia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 107:103790. [PMID: 35849936 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Russia, like many other places, is currently experiencing a proliferation of new psychoactive substances, many of which are psychostimulants. In St. Petersburg, these appear to be mostly congeners of cathinone. We sought to obtain qualitative data to better understand the impact on the health and behaviors of people who use drugs (PWUD) by recruiting individuals who reported recent use of psychostimulants. METHODS In-depth qualitative data on current drug use and its effects were collected through thirty interviews (n=30) and two focus groups (n=10: five male, five female). The interviews and focus groups also provided data on the social contexts of drug use including sexual behaviors and associated medical issues. Secondary data about online drug purchases were obtained from a source that accesses and analyzes darknet purchases. Qualitative data were initially coded using a priori codes developed on the basis of the interview guide, and then data were coded again inductively based on emergent findings from the data. Thematic analysis was carried out using OpenCode 4.0 qualitative data analysis software. RESULTS Thematic analysis of the interviews and focus groups identified distinct differences in behavior patterns between older, more experienced PWUD and a "new generation" of PWUD. Routes of initiation of drug use and sexual behaviors associated with drug use differed, but both groups reported high levels of unsafe injection and sexual behaviors. In interpreting the texts and purchasing data, we have attempted to anticipate how the drug use patterns can influence HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS The emergence of a new class of psychostimulant drugs presents new threats to the health of drug users and new opportunities to intervene to reduce those risks. The information obtained may assist HIV/AIDS prevention specialists and drug user support groups in their efforts to decrease unsafe drug use and sexual behaviors.
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11
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Stewart DA, Blough BE. Sex differences in inflammatory cytokine levels following synthetic cathinone self-administration in rats. Neurotoxicology 2022; 88:65-78. [PMID: 34742947 PMCID: PMC8748414 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are used as stimulants of abuse. Many abused drugs, including stimulants, activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription leading to increases in NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the level of inflammation appears to correlate with length of abuse. The purpose of this study was to measure the profile of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2 and TNF-α in brain and plasma to examine if drug exposure alters inflammatory markers. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) (0.1 mg/kg/infusion), 4-methylmethcathinone (4MMC) (0.5 mg/kg/infusion), or saline through autoshaping, and then self-administered for 21 days during 1 h (short access; ShA) or 6 h (long access; LgA) sessions. Separate rats were assigned to a naïve control group. Cytokine levels were examined in amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, striatum, thalamus, and plasma. Rats acquired synthetic cathinone self-administration, and there were no sex differences in drug intake. Synthetic cathinone self-administration produced sex differences in IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2 and TNF-α levels. There were widespread increases in inflammatory cytokines in the brains of male rats compared to females, particularly for 4MMC, whereas females were more likely to show increased inflammatory cytokines in plasma compared to saline groups than males. Furthermore, these sex differences in cytokine levels were more common after LgA access to synthetic cathinones than ShA. These results suggest that synthetic cathinone use likely produces sex-selective patterns of neuroinflammation during the transition from use to abuse. Consequently, treatment need may differ depending on the progression of synthetic cathinone abuse and based on sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Elaine A. Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Delisha A. Stewart
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Nutrition Research Institute, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
| | - Bruce E. Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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12
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Nelson KH, Manke HN, Bailey JM, Vlachos A, Maradiaga KJ, Huang S, Weiss TD, Rice KC, Riley AL. Ethanol pre-exposure differentially impacts the rewarding and aversive effects of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP): Implications for drug use and abuse. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 211:173286. [PMID: 34634300 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposure to a drug can subsequently impact its own reactivity as well as that of other drugs. Given that users of synthetic cathinones, i.e., "bath salts", typically have extensive and varied drug histories, an understanding of the effects of drug history on the behavioral and physiological consequences of synthetic cathiones may be important to their abuse liability. OBJECTIVES The goal of the current work was to assess the effects of an ethanol pre-exposure on the rewarding and aversive effects of α-PVP. METHODS Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to ethanol prior to combined conditioned taste avoidance/conditioned place preference training in which rats were injected with 1.5, 3 or 5 mg/kg of racemic α-PVP or vehicle. Following a 7-day washout period, rats were then tested for thermoregulatory effects of α-PVP using subcutaneous probes to measure body temperature changes over the course of 8 h. This was followed 10 days later by assessments for α-PVP-induced locomotor activity and stereotypies over a 1-h session. RESULTS α-PVP induced significant dose- and trial-dependent taste avoidance that was significantly attenuated by ethanol history and dose- and time-dependent increases in locomotor activity that were significantly increased by ethanol. α-PVP also induced place preferences and dose- and time-dependent increases in body temperature, but these measures were unaffected by ethanol history. CONCLUSIONS α-PVP's aversive effects (as measured by taste avoidance) were attenuated, while its rewarding effects (as indexed by place preference conditioning) were unaffected, by ethanol pre-exposure. Such a pattern may indicate increased α-PVP abuse liability, as changes in the balance of aversion and reward may impact overall drug effects and likelihood of drug intake. Future self-administration studies will be necessary to explore this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine H Nelson
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA.
| | - Hayley N Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Jacob M Bailey
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Anna Vlachos
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Karina J Maradiaga
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Shihui Huang
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Tania D Weiss
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA.
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13
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Taffe MA, Nguyen JD, Vandewater SA, Grant Y, Dickerson TJ. Effects of α-pyrrolidino-phenone cathinone stimulants on locomotor behavior in female rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 227:108910. [PMID: 34332176 PMCID: PMC9812683 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The α-pyrrolidino-phenone cathinone stimulants first came to widespread attention because of bizarre behavior consequent to the use of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP, "flakka") reported in popular press. As with other designer drugs, diversification of cathinones has been driven by desirable subjective effects, but also by attempts to stay ahead of legal controls of specific molecules. The α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP) compounds have been relatively under-investigated relative to α-PVP and provide a key opportunity to also investigate structure-activity relationships, i.e., how the extension of the alpha carbon chain may affect potency or efficacy. Female rats were used to contrast the effects of α-PHP and α-PPP with those of α-PVP in altering wheel activity and effects on spontaneous locomotion, temperature and intracranial self-stimulation reward. The α-PPP, α-PHP and α-PVP compounds (5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed wheel activity. Inhalation of α-PHP or α-PVP also suppressed wheel activity, but for an abbreviated duration compared with the injection route. Spontaneous activity was increased, and brain reward thresholds decreased, in a dose-dependent manner by all three compounds; only small decrements in body temperature were observed. These data show that all three of the α-pyrrolidino-phenone cathinones exhibit significant stimulant-like activity in female rats. Differences were minor and abuse liability is therefore likely to be equivalent for all three α-pyrrolidino-phenones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Jacques D Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sophia A Vandewater
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yanabel Grant
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tobin J Dickerson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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14
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Alegre-Zurano L, López-Arnau R, Luján MÁ, Camarasa J, Valverde O. Cannabidiol Modulates the Motivational and Anxiety-Like Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8304. [PMID: 34361071 PMCID: PMC8348800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) and the most widespread and life-threatening synthetic cathinone of the "bath salts". Preclinical research has proven the cocaine-like psychostimulant effects of MDPV and its potential for abuse. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid that has emerged as a new potential treatment for drug addiction. Here, we tested the effects of CBD (20 mg/kg) on MDPV (2 mg/kg)-induced conditioned place preference and MDPV (0.05 and 0.075 mg/kg/infusion) self-administration paradigms. In addition, we assessed the effects of the co-administration of CBD and MDPV (3 and 4 mg/kg) on anxiety-like behaviour using the elevated plus maze (EPM). CBD mitigated the MDPV-induced conditioned place preference. On the contrary, CBD administration throughout the MDPV (0.075 mg/kg/infusion) self-administration increased drug-seeking and taking behaviours, but only in the high-responders group of mice. Furthermore, CBD exerted anxiolytic-like effects, exclusively in MDPV-treated mice. Taken together, our results indicate that CBD modulation of MDPV-induced motivational responses in mice varies depending on the requirements of the learning task, resulting in a complex response. Therefore, further research attempting to decipher the behavioural and molecular interactions between CBD and MDPV is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Alegre-Zurano
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.-Z.); (M.Á.L.)
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Miguel Á. Luján
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.-Z.); (M.Á.L.)
| | - Jordi Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.-Z.); (M.Á.L.)
- Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Caffino L, Mottarlini F, Bilel S, Targa G, Tirri M, Maggi C, Marti M, Fumagalli F. Single Exposure to the Cathinones MDPV and α-PVP Alters Molecular Markers of Neuroplasticity in the Adult Mouse Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7397. [PMID: 34299015 PMCID: PMC8307734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones have gained popularity among young drug users and are widely used in the clandestine market. While the cathinone-induced behavioral profile has been extensively investigated, information on their neuroplastic effects is still rather fragmentary. Accordingly, we have exposed male mice to a single injection of MDPV and α-PVP and sacrificed the animals at different time points (i.e., 30 min, 2 h, and 24 h) to have a rapid readout of the effect of these psychostimulants on neuroplasticity in the frontal lobe and hippocampus, two reward-related brain regions. We found that a single, low dose of MDPV or α-PVP is sufficient to alter the expression of neuroplastic markers in the adult mouse brain. In particular, we found increased expression of the transcription factor Npas4, increased ratio between the vesicular GABA transporter and the vesicular glutamate transporter together with changes in the expression of the neurotrophin Bdnf, confirming the widespread impact of these cathinones on brain plasticity. To sum up, exposure to low dose of cathinones can impair cortical and hippocampal homeostasis, suggesting that abuse of these cathinones at much higher doses, as it occurs in humans, could have an even more profound impact on neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Coralie Maggi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Matteo Marti
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (M.M.)
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
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16
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Watson SL, Blough BE. Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone and mephedrone self-administration produce differential neurochemical changes following short- or long-access conditions in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 897:173935. [PMID: 33577836 PMCID: PMC7965342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stimulant-induced neurochemical changes may occur at different times for different brain regions or neurotransmitter systems. This study sought to examine the behavioral and neurochemical effects of extended access to α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylmethcathinone (4MMC). Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer α-PVP (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) or 4MMC (0.5 mg/kg/infusion) through autoshaping, and then self-administered for 21 days during 1 h (short access; ShA) or 6 h (long access; LgA) sessions. Separate rats were assigned to a naïve control group. Amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum, and thalamus were extracted, and tissue was analyzed with electrochemical detection and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Rats acquired self-administration of α-PVP and 4MMC, and LgA rats showed more escalation of self-administration than ShA rats. Synthetic cathinone administration produced several effects on neurotransmitters. LgA self-administration of α-PVP increased 5-HIAA levels in all brain regions, compared to control. In contrast, both LgA and ShA 4MMC self-administration decreased 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in most brain regions. LgA exposure to both synthetic cathinones increased DOPAC levels in hypothalamus and striatum, and increased HVA levels in striatum compared to control. LgA self-administration of either synthetic cathinone produced region-specific increases in NE levels, whereas ShA self-administration lowered NE levels in select locations compared to control. These alterations in neurotransmitter levels indicate that synthetic cathinone use may produce differential neurochemical changes during the transition from use to abuse, and that 21 days of self-administration only models the beginning stages of dysregulated drug intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Scott L Watson
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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17
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Doyle MR, Sulima A, Rice KC, Collins GT. MDPV self-administration in female rats: influence of reinforcement history. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:735-744. [PMID: 33236170 PMCID: PMC7914194 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05726-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A subset of male rats that self-administer 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) have unusually high levels of drug intake; however, factor(s) that influence this behavior (e.g., reinforcement history and sex) are unknown. OBJECTIVES Characterize the reinforcing potency and effectiveness of MDPV in female rats to determine whether (1) a subset of females also develop high levels of MDPV self-administration (i.e., a high-responder phenotype) and (2) the degree to which the high-responder phenotype is influenced by various reinforcement histories (i.e., responding for cocaine or food). METHODS Female Sprague Dawley rats initially responded for MDPV (0.032 mg/kg/infusion), cocaine (0.32 mg/kg/infusion), or food (45-mg grain pellet) under fixed ratio (FR) 1 and FR5 schedules of reinforcement. After 20 sessions, the cocaine- and food-history rats responded for MDPV for 20 additional sessions. Dose-response curves for MDPV were generated under FR5 and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement. RESULTS A subset of rats responding for MDPV developed high levels of MDPV intake. A history of responding for cocaine, but not food, inhibited the development of high levels of MDPV intake. Large individual differences were observed in the level of self-administration when MDPV was available under an FR5, but not PR, schedule of reinforcement. CONCLUSIONS MDPV functions as a powerful reinforcer in female rats, as has been previously reported in male rats. The substantial variability in MDPV self-administration between subjects may be related to individual differences in human drug-taking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Doyle
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr - MC 7764, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gregory T Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr - MC 7764, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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18
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Xu P, Lai M, Fu D, Liu H, Wang Y, Shen H, Zhou W. Reinforcing and discriminative-stimulus effects of two pyrrolidine-containing synthetic cathinone derivatives in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 203:173128. [PMID: 33515585 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173128] [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: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The molecular and behavioral aspects of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) have been characterized; however, how the structural modification of α-PVP affects its abuse potential is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the abuse potential of two pyrrolidinylated second-generation cathinones:4-chloro-α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (4cl-α-PVP) and 4-chloro-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4cl-α-PPP). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer methamphetamine (METH, 0.05 mg·kg-1·infusion-1), α-PVP (0.05 mg·kg-1·infusion-1), 4cl-α-PVP (0.05 mg·kg-1·infusion-1), and 4cl-α-PPP (0.5 mg·kg-1·infusion-1) under a fixed ratio (FR) 1 reinforcement schedule for 10 sessions. The discriminative-stimulus effect of METH (0.8 mg/kg) from saline was tested under an FR10 schedule of food delivery. α-PVP, 4cl-α-PVP and 4cl-α-PPP produced reinforcement behaviors and presented an inverted U-shaped dose effect. The reinforcing potency was displayed with a rank order of α-PVP (0.029 mg·kg-1·infusion-1) > METH (0.040 mg·kg-1·infusion-1) > 4cl-α-PVP (0.094 mg·kg-1·infusion-1) > 4cl-α-PPP (0.51 mg·kg-1·infusion-1). All three drugs were fully substituted for the discriminative-stimulus effects of METH in rats. The substitution potency for discriminative-stimulus effects of α-PVP (ED50 = 0.4 mg/kg) was approximately equal to that of METH (ED50 = 0.3 mg/kg), while the discriminative potency of 4cl-α-PVP (ED50 = 1.0 mg/kg) and 4cl-α-PPP (ED50 = 5 mg/kg) was approximately 3 and 16-fold less than that of METH. The rank order of potency was α-PVP ≈ METH >4cl-α-PVP > 4cl-α-PPP. The present data demonstrated that 4cl-α-PVP and 4cl-α-PPP produced reinforcing effects and fully and dose-dependently substituted for the subjective effects of METH, suggesting that both 4cl-α-PVP and 4cl-α-PPP have abuse potential that may be similar to METH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100093, PR China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Dan Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Huifen Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Youmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100093, PR China
| | - Haowei Shen
- Faculty of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
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de Moura FB, Sherwood A, Prisinzano TE, Paronis CA, Bergman J, Kohut SJ. Reinforcing effects of synthetic cathinones in rhesus monkeys: Dose-response and behavioral economic analyses. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 202:173112. [PMID: 33444603 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The abuse of synthetic cathinones ("bath salts") with psychomotor stimulant and/or entactogenic properties emerged as a public health concern when they were introduced as "legal" alternatives to drugs of abuse such as cocaine or MDMA. In this study, experiments were conducted in nonhuman primates to examine how differences in transporter selectivity might impact the reinforcing effects of synthetic cathinones. Rhesus monkeys (N = 5) were trained to respond for intravenous injections under a fixed-ratio (FR) 30, timeout 60-s schedule of reinforcement. The reinforcing effects of selected cathinones (e.g., MDPV, αPVP, MCAT, and methylone) with a range of pharmacological effects at dopamine and serotonin transporters were compared to cocaine and MDMA using dose-response analysis under a simple FR schedule and behavioral economic procedures that generated demand curves for two doses of each drug. Results show that one or more doses of all drugs were readily self-administered in each subject and, excepting MDMA (21 injections/session), peak levels of self-administration were similar across drugs (between 30 and 40 injections/session). Demand elasticity for the peak and the peak + 1/2-log dose of each drug did not significantly differ, and when data for the two doses were averaged for each drug, the following rank-order of reinforcing strength emerged: cocaine > MCAT = MDPV = methylone > αPVP = MDMA. These results indicate that the reinforcing strength of synthetic cathinones are not related to their selectivity in binding dopamine or serotonin transporter sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando B de Moura
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Carol A Paronis
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jack Bergman
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen J Kohut
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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McClenahan SJ, Gunnell MG, Owens SM. Pharmacokinetics of α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone in Male Rats with and without Vaccination with an α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone Vaccine. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES : A PUBLICATION OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, SOCIETE CANADIENNE DES SCIENCES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2021; 24:267-276. [PMID: 34062113 PMCID: PMC8604100 DOI: 10.18433/jpps31832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) is a second-generation synthetic cathinone which acts as an inhibitor at the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters in the brain. These novel studies determined the pharmacokinetics (PK) of α-PVP in rats and then evaluated the effects of an α-PVP vaccine on the PK profile. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into treatment groups (n = 24/group) in which the vaccinated rats received an initial and two booster immunizations of the α-PVP vaccine at 0, 3, and 9 wks. Control rats received saline injections. α-PVP (0.56, 1, 3 mg/kg, sc) was then administered to both groups between 11-12 weeks and serum samples were collected for determination of α-PVP serum concentrations by LC-MS/MS (n=6 rats/treatment/time). At 13 weeks, brain, heart and kidney concentrations of α-PVP were determined by LC-MS/MS after administration of 1 mg/kg α-PVP (n=4-5 rats/treatment/time). RESULTS PK values in control rats showed dose-dependent increases in maximum serum concentrations (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUCinf) values with an elimination half-life (t1/2) of approximately 2.1 h. α-PVP exhibited linear PK profile in control rats. Vaccinated rats had significantly (p<0.05) higher serum Cmax and AUCinf values than controls, and significantly reduced total body clearance, volume of distribution and t1/2 values. Vaccinated rats had significantly lower α-PVP concentrations in the brain, heart, and kidney in comparison to control rats at early time points. CONCLUSION Vaccination with the novel α-PVP vaccine significantly altered serum PK leading to a time-dependent reduction in brain, kidney and heart concentrations of α-PVP compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. McClenahan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University for Medical Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Melinda G. Gunnell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - S. Michael Owens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Schindler CW, Thorndike EB, Walters HM, Walther D, Rice KC, Baumann MH. Stereoselective neurochemical, behavioral, and cardiovascular effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone enantiomers in male rats. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12842. [PMID: 31724254 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12842] [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: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) continues to be abused despite being banned by regulatory agencies. The abused formulation of α-PVP is a racemic mixture consisting of two enantiomers, S-α-PVP and R-α-PVP. In this study, we investigated the neurochemical, behavioral, and cardiovascular effects of racemic α-PVP and its enantiomers in male rats. Racemic α-PVP blocked the uptake of both dopamine and norepinephrine ex vivo, but did not block the uptake of serotonin (5-HT), at their respective transporters. S-α-PVP was slightly more potent than racemic α-PVP, while R-α-PVP was 10 to 20 times less potent at blocking dopamine and norepinephrine uptake. In microdialysis studies, racemic and S-α-PVP increased extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, but not levels of 5-HT. Racemic and S-α-PVP also increased locomotor activity. When tested at the same doses, S-α-PVP produced larger effects than racemic α-PVP. R-α-PVP also increased extracellular dopamine levels and locomotor activity, but only at 30 times higher doses than S-α-PVP. Racemic and S-α-PVP were self-administered by rats at 0.03 mg/kg/injection, whereas R-α-PVP was self-administered at a 10 times higher dose. Dose-effect determinations following acquisition suggested that R-α-PVP was at least 30 times less potent than S-α-PVP. Finally, racemic and S-α-PVP increased blood pressure and heart rate at doses approximately 30 times less than was required for R-α-PVP to produce similar effects. These results show that the neurochemical, behavioral, and cardiovascular effects of racemic α-PVP most likely reflect the actions of S isomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W. Schindler
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Eric B. Thorndike
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Hailey M. Walters
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Kenner C. Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
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22
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Fattore L, Marti M, Mostallino R, Castelli MP. Sex and Gender Differences in the Effects of Novel Psychoactive Substances. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10090606. [PMID: 32899299 PMCID: PMC7564810 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender deeply affect the subjective effects and pharmaco-toxicological responses to drugs. Men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit drugs and to present to emergency departments for serious or fatal intoxications. However, women are just as likely as men to develop substance use disorders, and may be more susceptible to craving and relapse. Clinical and preclinical studies have shown important differences between males and females after administration of “classic” drugs of abuse (e.g., Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), morphine, cocaine). This scenario has become enormously complicated in the last decade with the overbearing appearance of the new psychoactive substances (NPS) that have emerged as alternatives to regulated drugs. To date, more than 900 NPS have been identified, and can be catalogued in different pharmacological categories including synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants (cathinones and amphetamine-like), hallucinogenic phenethylamines, synthetic opioids (fentanyls and non-fentanyls), new benzodiazepines and dissociative anesthetics (i.e., methoxetamine and phencyclidine-derivatives). This work collects the little knowledge reached so far on the effects of NPS in male and female animal and human subjects, highlighting how much sex and gender differences in the effects of NPS has yet to be studied and understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.P.C.)
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Center of Excellence “Neurobiology of Addiction”, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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Mégarbane B, Gamblin C, Roussel O, Bouaziz-Amar E, Chevillard L, Callebert J, Chen H, Morineau G, Laplanche JL, Etheve-Quelquejeu M, Liechti ME, Benturquia N. The neurobehavioral effects of the designer drug naphyrone - an experimental investigation with pharmacokinetics and concentration/effect relationship in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1943-1957. [PMID: 32399634 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The recreational use of naphyrone, a potent synthetic cathinone with a pyrovalerone structure, has raised questions about possible deleterious neurobehavioral consequences. OBJECTIVE To investigate naphyrone-induced neurobehavioral effects and alterations in brain monoamines using two patterns of abuse, i.e., single and repeated (binge) use. METHODS We studied naphyrone dose/induced locomotor activity relationship at 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg in mice. We investigated the effects of single (30 mg/kg; acute injection) versus repeated (30 mg/kg ×3/day for 3 days; binge injection) intraperitoneal naphyrone administration on locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, spatial recognition memory, anhedonia, behavioral despair, and social interaction. We measured post-mortem prefrontal cortex levels of monoamines and modeled naphyrone pharmacokinetics and concentration/locomotor effect relationship. RESULTS Both naphyrone administration patterns induced time-dependent increases in locomotor activity (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and social interaction (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) but did not alter spatial recognition memory or anhedonia. Acute naphyrone injection induced anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.01) and reduced resignation (p < 0.01) whereas binge administration induced non-anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.05) and did not alter behavioral despair. Both patterns increased the prefrontal cortex dopamine (p < 0.0001) and norepinephrine (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) but not serotonin content. Naphyrone pharmacokinetics followed a two-compartment model with an overall elimination half-life of 0.3 h. The naphyrone concentration/locomotor effect relationship was described by an additive Emax model with an EC50 of 672 μg/L. CONCLUSIONS Single naphyrone administration increases locomotor activity according to a direct concentration/effect relationship. The neurobehavioral effects after binge differs from those after single administration and are not explained by drug accumulation given the relatively fast elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mégarbane
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France.,Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Olivier Roussel
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France.,Toxicology Department, Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale, Rosny sous-Bois, France
| | | | | | | | - Huixiong Chen
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Mélanie Etheve-Quelquejeu
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Benturquia
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France. .,Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris University, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006, Paris, France.
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Magee CP, German CL, Siripathane YH, Curtis PS, Anderson DJ, Wilkins DG, Hanson GR, Fleckenstein AE. 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone: Neuropharmacological Impact of a Designer Stimulant of Abuse on Monoamine Transporters. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 374:273-282. [PMID: 32385092 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.264895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is an abused synthetic cathinone, commonly referred to as a "bath salt." Because the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT-2) are key regulators of both the abuse and neurotoxic potential of structurally and behaviorally related agents, the impact of MDPV on these transporters was investigated. Results revealed that a single in vivo MDPV administration rapidly (within 1 hour) and reversibly increased both rat striatal DAT and VMAT-2 activity, as assessed via [3H]DA uptake in synaptosomes and synaptic vesicles, respectively, prepared from treated rats. There was no evidence of an MDPV-induced increase in plasmalemmal membrane DAT surface expression. Plasma concentrations of MDPV increased dose-dependently as assessed 1 hour after 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg (s.c.) administration and returned to levels less than 10 ng/ml by 18 hours after 2.5 mg/kg (s.c.). Neither pretreatment with a D1 receptor (SCH23390), a D2 receptor (eticlopride), nor a nicotinic receptor (mecamylamine) antagonist attenuated the MDPV-induced increase in DAT activity. In contrast, eticlopride pretreatment attenuated both the MDPV-induced increase in VMAT-2-mediated DA uptake and an associated increase in cytoplasmic-associated vesicle VMAT-2 immunoreactivity. SCH23390 did not attenuate the MDPV-induced increase in VMAT-2 activity. Repeated MDPV injections did not cause persistent DAergic deficits, as assessed 7 to 8 days later. The impact of MDPV on striatal and hippocampal serotonergic assessments was minimal. Taken together, these data contribute to a growing pharmacological rubric for evaluating the ever-growing list of designer cathinone-related stimulants. The profile of MDPV compared with related psychostimulants is discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Pharmacological characterization of the synthetic cathinone, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV; commonly referred to as a "bath salt"), is critical for understanding the abuse liability and neurotoxic potential of this and related agents. Accordingly, the impact of MDPV on monoaminergic neurons is described and compared with that of related psychostimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte P Magee
- School of Dentistry (C.P.M., C.L.G., Y.H.S., P.S.C., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience (C.P.M., C.L.G., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Center for Human Toxicology (D.J.A., D.G.W.), and Department of Pathology (D.G.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Christopher L German
- School of Dentistry (C.P.M., C.L.G., Y.H.S., P.S.C., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience (C.P.M., C.L.G., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Center for Human Toxicology (D.J.A., D.G.W.), and Department of Pathology (D.G.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Yasmeen H Siripathane
- School of Dentistry (C.P.M., C.L.G., Y.H.S., P.S.C., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience (C.P.M., C.L.G., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Center for Human Toxicology (D.J.A., D.G.W.), and Department of Pathology (D.G.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Peter S Curtis
- School of Dentistry (C.P.M., C.L.G., Y.H.S., P.S.C., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience (C.P.M., C.L.G., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Center for Human Toxicology (D.J.A., D.G.W.), and Department of Pathology (D.G.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - David J Anderson
- School of Dentistry (C.P.M., C.L.G., Y.H.S., P.S.C., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience (C.P.M., C.L.G., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Center for Human Toxicology (D.J.A., D.G.W.), and Department of Pathology (D.G.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Diana G Wilkins
- School of Dentistry (C.P.M., C.L.G., Y.H.S., P.S.C., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience (C.P.M., C.L.G., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Center for Human Toxicology (D.J.A., D.G.W.), and Department of Pathology (D.G.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Glen R Hanson
- School of Dentistry (C.P.M., C.L.G., Y.H.S., P.S.C., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience (C.P.M., C.L.G., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Center for Human Toxicology (D.J.A., D.G.W.), and Department of Pathology (D.G.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Annette E Fleckenstein
- School of Dentistry (C.P.M., C.L.G., Y.H.S., P.S.C., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience (C.P.M., C.L.G., G.R.H., A.E.F.), Center for Human Toxicology (D.J.A., D.G.W.), and Department of Pathology (D.G.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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25
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De-Giorgio F, Bilel S, Tirri M, Arfè R, Trapella C, Camuto C, Foti F, Frisoni P, Neri M, Botrè F, Marti M. Methiopropamine and its acute behavioral effects in mice: is there a gray zone in new psychoactive substances users? Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1695-1711. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02302-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Chen Y, Tran HTN, Saber YH, Hall FS. High ambient temperature increases the toxicity and lethality of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and methcathinone. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 192:172912. [PMID: 32201298 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methcathinone (MCAT) are abused psychostimulant drugs that produce adverse effects in human users that include hepatotoxicity and death. Recent work has suggested a connection between hepatotoxicity, elevations in plasma ammonia, and brain glutamate function for methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVES These experiments investigated the effect of ambient temperature on the toxicity and lethality produced by MDMA and MCAT in mice, and whether these effects might involve similar mechanisms to those described for METH neurotoxicity. RESULTS Under low (room temperature) ambient temperature conditions, MDMA induced hepatotoxicity, elevated plasma ammonia levels, and induced lethality. Under the same conditions, even a very high dose of MCAT produced limited toxic or lethal effects. High ambient temperature conditions potentiated the toxic and lethal effects of both MDMA and MCAT. CONCLUSION These studies suggest that hepatotoxicity, plasma ammonia, and brain glutamate function are involved in MDMA-induced lethality, as has been shown for METH neurotoxicity. The toxicity and lethality of both MDMA and MCAT were potentiated by high ambient temperatures. Although an initial mouse study reported that several cathinones were much less toxic than METH or MDMA, the present results suggest that it will be essential to assess the potential dangers posed by these drugs under high ambient temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Huyen T N Tran
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Yasir H Saber
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA; Ninevah College of Medicine, Ninevah University, Mosul, Iraq
| | - F Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA.
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27
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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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Synthetic psychoactive cathinones: hypothermia and reduced lethality compared to methamphetamine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 191:172871. [PMID: 32061662 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic psychoactive cathinones (SPCs) are drugs with psychostimulant and entactogenic properties like methamphetamine (MA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Despite clinical reports of human overdose, it remains to be determined if SPCs have greater propensity for adverse effects than MA or MDMA. OBJECTIVES To determine whether the SPCs cathinone (CAT), methcathinone (MCAT), mephedrone (MMC), and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) have lower LD50 values than MA or MDMA. METHODS Male and female C57Bl/6J mice received single injections of one of 6 doses of a test drug (0-160 mg/kg IP). Temperature and behavioral observations were taken every 20 min for 2 h followed by euthanasia of surviving mice. Organs were weighed and evaluated for histopathological changes. RESULTS LD50 values for MA and MDMA, 84.5 and 100.9 mg/kg respectively, were similar to previous observations. The LD50 for MMC was 118.8 mg/kg, but limited lethality was observed for other SPCs (CAT, MCAT, MDPV), so LD50 values could not be calculated. For all drugs, death was associated with seizure, when it was observed. Rather than hyperthermia, dose-dependent hypothermia was observed for MMC, MDPV, CAT, and MCAT. Contrary to initial expectations, none of the SPCs studied here had LD50 values lower than MA or MDMA. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that, under the conditions studied here: (1) SPCs exhibit less lethality than MA and MDMA; (2) SPCs impair thermoregulation; (3) effects of SPCs on temperature appear to be independent of effects on lethality.
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Wojcieszak J, Andrzejczak D, Wojtas A, Gołembiowska K, Zawilska JB. Comparative neuropharmacological studies on three pyrrolidine-containing synthetic cathinones. Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (3,4-MDPV) is a prevalent member of α-pyrrolidinophenones, a group of new psychoactive substances, known for its strong psychostimulant effect resulting from potent stimulation of dopamine (DA) circuitry in the brain. As 3,4-MDPV and its derivatives are successively being scheduled, each year novel analogs appear on the market. This study aimed at examination and direct comparison of psychostimulant properties of structural isomer of 3,4-MDPV, namely 2,3-MDPV along with a model α-pyrrolidinophenone, pyrovalerone.
Methods
Open field spontaneous locomotor activity of mice was assessed as a measure of psychostimulant potency. To evaluate the in vivo pharmacological properties of the drugs, extracellular levels of DA and serotonin (5-HT) in the mouse striatum were measured using an in vivo microdialysis technique followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Involvement of dopaminergic system in the behavioral effects of the tested α-pyrrolidinophenones was examined by pre-treatment with a selective D1-DA receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, before measurement of locomotor activity in response to the drugs.
Results
3,4-MDPV, 2,3-MDPV and pyrovalerone produced time- and dose-dependent stimulation of locomotor activity, with 3,4-MDPV being more potent than the other two compounds. Observed locomotor stimulation was mediated by elevated DA-ergic neurotransmission, as all compounds caused a significant increase of extracellular DA levels in the striatum, with 3,4-MDPV being the most potent, and psychostimulant effects were abolished by SCH 23390. Interestingly, the tested pyrovalerones caused in vivo elevation of extracellular 5-HT levels, which contrasted with their in vitro pharmacologic properties.
Conclusions
Pyrovalerone, 2,3-MDPV and 3,4-MDPV produced psychostimulant effects mediated by stimulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Additionally, all tested compounds elevated extracellular levels of 5-HT in vivo.
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Watson SL, Blough BE. Synthetic cathinone self-administration in female rats modulates neurotransmitter levels in addiction-related brain regions. Behav Brain Res 2019; 376:112211. [PMID: 31493431 PMCID: PMC6783379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are used for their stimulant-like properties. Stimulant-induced neurochemical changes are thought to occur at different times in different brain regions and neurotransmitter systems. This study sought to examine the behavioral and neurochemical effects of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) and mephedrone (4MMC) in female rats. Methods probed the chronology of effects of synthetic cathinone exposure. Female rats were trained to self-administer α-PVP, 4MMC, or saline. Drug exposure ceased after 7 days of autoshaping for half of each drug group; the other half self-administered for another 21 days. Amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, PFC, striatum, and thalamus were extracted, and tissue was analyzed with electrochemical detection and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Responding was minimal during autoshaping; thus, most infusions were delivered noncontingently in the autoshaping phase. Rats acquired self-administration of α-PVP and 4MMC. Synthetic cathinone administration, and duration of exposure produced several effects on neurotransmitters. α-PVP primarily increased serotonin, 5-hydroxy-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA), norepinephrine, and glutamate in hypothalamus. In contrast, 4MMC decreased serotonin and 5-HIAA in several brain regions. Longer durations of exposure to both synthetic cathinones increased 5-HIAA, norepinephrine, and glutamate in multiple brain regions compared to the short exposure during autoshaping. Notably, both α-PVP and 4MMC produced minimal changes in dopamine levels, suggesting that the dopaminergic effects of these synthetic cathinones are transient. These alterations in neurotransmitter levels indicate that synthetic cathinone use may produce differential neurochemical changes during the transition from use to abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Scott L Watson
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Modeling drug exposure in rodents using e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 330:108458. [PMID: 31614162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Smoking tobacco products is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Coordinated efforts have successfully reduced tobacco cigarette smoking in the United States; however, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) recently have replaced traditional cigarettes for many users. While the clinical risks associated with long-term ENDS use remain unclear, advancements in preclinical rodent models will enhance our understanding of their overall health effects. This review examines the peripheral and central effects of ENDS-mediated exposure to nicotine and other drugs of abuse in rodents and evaluates current techniques for implementing ENDS in preclinical research.
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Nelson KH, Manke HN, Imanalieva A, Rice KC, Riley AL. Sex differences in α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP)-induced taste avoidance, place preference, hyperthermia and locomotor activity in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 185:172762. [PMID: 31445057 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The majority of synthetic cathinone research has used only male subjects, and as a result there are few studies assessing the impact of biological sex on their effects. OBJECTIVES The current work extends the characterization of the second-generation synthetic cathinone, α-PVP, by investigating how biological sex impacts α-PVP's aversive and rewarding effects important to its use and potential abuse. METHODS A combined conditioned taste avoidance/conditioned place preference preparation was utilized in which adult male and female Sprague Dawley rats were injected with 1.5, 3 or 6 mg/kg of racemic α-PVP or vehicle (saline) (IP). Following a 24-day washout period, rats were then tested for thermoregulatory effects of α-PVP using subcutaneous microchips to measure body temperature changes over the course of 8 h. This was followed 21 days later by assessments for α-PVP-induced locomotor activity and stereotypies over a 1-h session. RESULTS Dose-dependent conditioned taste avoidance was evident in both males and females, although females displayed weaker avoidance at 3 mg/kg compared to males. Males displayed a dose-dependent conditioned place preference, while females did not form a place preference at any dose. α-PVP elicited dose- and time-dependent hyperthermia, with males displaying a faster on-set and delayed off-set compared to females. α-PVP also produced dose- and time-dependent increases in locomotor activity (F > M) and stereotypies (M > F). CONCLUSIONS As described, males displayed greater rewarding (as indexed by place preference conditioning) and aversive (as indexed by taste avoidance, hyperthermia and stereotypies) effects of α-PVP. Although comparisons between males and females in α-PVP self-administration have not been reported, these data suggest that males may be more likely to use the drug. The implications for sex differences in human use of α-PVP were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine H Nelson
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
| | - Hayley N Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Aikerim Imanalieva
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
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Kolesnikova TO, Khatsko SL, Eltsov OS, Shevyrin VA, Kalueff AV. When fish take a bath: Psychopharmacological characterization of the effects of a synthetic cathinone bath salt ‘flakka’ on adult zebrafish. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2019; 73:15-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Blough BE. Analysis of neurotransmitter levels in addiction-related brain regions during synthetic cathinone self-administration in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:903-914. [PMID: 30191259 PMCID: PMC6401347 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5011-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic cathinones are used as stimulants of abuse. Different stimulants may induce distinct rates of disease progression, yielding neurochemical changes that may vary across brain regions or neurotransmitter systems. OBJECTIVES This research sought to behaviorally and chemically differentiate stages of synthetic cathinone abuse through rodent self-administration and measurement of the neurotransmitter profile in multiple brain regions. METHODS Male rats were trained to self-administer α-PVP, mephedrone (4MMC), or saline. Half of each drug group stopped self-administering after autoshaping; the other half self-administered for another 21 days. Brain tissue from amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, PFC, striatum, and thalamus was profiled with electrochemical detection to assess neurotransmitter levels. RESULTS During autoshaping, the majority of infusions were delivered noncontingently. In the self-administration phase, rats responded more for α-PVP and 4MMC than for saline, demonstrating that both synthetic cathinones were reinforcing. Longer durations of exposure elevated 5-HIAA in hypothalamus, PFC, and hippocampus, indicating that learning may produce changes in addiction-related brain regions. Both synthetic cathinones decreased norepinephrine in hippocampus, while α-PVP decreased glutamate in hippocampus and PFC, and 4MMC decreased glutamate in thalamus. Furthermore, α-PVP increased dopaminergic metabolites in striatum, whereas 4MMC decreased serotonin in the amygdala, hippocampus, and PFC. Interestingly, neither synthetic cathinone affected dopamine levels despite their functional effects on the dopaminergic system. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the neurotransmitter changes observed here suggest that synthetic cathinone use likely produces sequential neurochemical changes during the transition from use to abuse. Consequently, treatment need may differ depending on the progression of synthetic cathinone abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, 136 Hermann, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, 136 Hermann, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, 136 Hermann, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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Atehortua-Martinez LA, Masniere C, Campolongo P, Chasseigneaux S, Callebert J, Zwergel C, Mai A, Laplanche JL, Chen H, Etheve-Quelquejeu M, Mégarbane B, Benturquia N. Acute and chronic neurobehavioral effects of the designer drug and bath salt constituent 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone in the rat. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:392-405. [PMID: 30644332 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118822151] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The substantial increase in use of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), a popular recreational synthetic cathinone, has raised legitimate questions about its behavioral consequences and abuse liability. AIMS The aim of this study was to study MDPV-induced neurobehavioral effects in the rat, using different paradigms traditionally developed to study drug-attributed addictive properties. METHODS Different patterns of intraperitoneal 3 mg/kg MDPV administration were investigated. Consequences on rat horizontal locomotion and behavior of acute, intermittent (once daily dosing over 10 days), and binge (three-time daily dosing for 3 days) MDPV administration as well as challenge after 10 day MDPV withdrawal were studied. The dopamine receptor-D1 antagonist, SCH23390, was bilaterally infused in the nucleus accumbens to determine the role of D1-receptors in MDPV-related effects on the associative memory recall using the conditioned place preference paradigm. In addition, in a separate experience using western blot, we investigated the effects of chronic MDPV administration (four injections during 24 h) on ΔFosB expression in the nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, and prefrontal cortex. RESULTS Acute MDPV administration increased stereotypies and open arm entries in the elevated plus maze while SCH23390 abolished MDPV-induced enhancing effects on memory consolidation. Intermittent MDPV administration resulted in sensitization of MDPV-induced locomotor effects and tolerance during the following challenge. With binge MDPV administration, locomotor activity was not altered despite tolerance onset after challenge. SCH23390 abolished MDPV-induced conditioned place preference. Chronic MDPV administration induced ΔFosB accumulation in the nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, and prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS Our findings clearly show that MDPV produces profound behavioral alterations mediated by the activation of the dopaminergic system similarly to other amphetamines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cyriaque Masniere
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- 2 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome and IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Jacques Callebert
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- 3 Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- 3 Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jean-Louis Laplanche
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Huixiong Chen
- 4 CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Etheve-Quelquejeu
- 4 CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Mégarbane
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France.,5 Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Benturquia
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
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Benturquia N, Chevillard L, Poiré C, Roussel O, Cohier C, Declèves X, Laplanche JL, Etheve-Quelquejeu M, Chen H, Mégarbane B. Is the 3,4-methylendioxypyrovalerone/mephedrone combination responsible for enhanced stimulant effects? A rat study with investigation of the effect/concentration relationships. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:891-901. [PMID: 29971461 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4962-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The use of synthetic cathinones as recreational drugs frequently sold in combination has been increasing exponentially. However, the consequences of combining cathinones on the resulting stimulant effects and the pharmacokinetics have been poorly investigated. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS To study 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV; 3 mg/kg) and mephedrone (4-MMC; 30 mg/kg)-induced effects on rat locomotor activity and pharmacokinetics, administered alone or in combination by the intragastric route. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using non-compartmental analysis and the relationships between the locomotor activity and drug concentrations using sigmoidal Emax modeling. RESULTS Locomotor activity significantly increased during the first hour post-administration with the MDPV/4-MMC combination in comparison to MDPV (p < 0.001) and 4-MMC (p < 0.01) alone. The pharmacokinetic profile of MDPV, but not 4-MMC, was significantly modified with the combination resulting in decreases in Cmax (16.4 ± 5.5 versus 62.2 ± 14.2 μg/L, p < 0.05) and AUC0 → ∞ (708 ± 91 versus 3316 ± 682 μg/L/min, p < 0.01) and increases in V/F (582.6 ± 136.8 versus 115.9 ± 42.7 L/kg, p < 0.05) and Cl/F (4.6 ± 0.7 versus 1.2 ± 0.4 L/kg/min, p < 0.01) in comparison to MDPV alone. The sigmoidal Emax model fitted the observed data well; MDPV being markedly more potent than 4-MMC (EC50, 0.043 versus 0.7 μmol/L). The enhancing factor representing the MDPV contribution to the alteration in the relationships between locomotor activity and 4-MMC concentrations was 0.3. CONCLUSION An MDPV/4-MMC combination results in enhanced stimulant effects in the rat, despite significant reduction in MDPV bioavailability. Enhanced effects could be explained by increased MDPV distribution and/or possible complementation at the brain dopaminergic targets. However, the exact consequences of the MDPV/4-MMC combination in humans remain to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Benturquia
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot Universities, Paris, France
| | - Lucie Chevillard
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot Universities, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Poiré
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot Universities, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Roussel
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot Universities, Paris, France.,Toxicology Department, Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale, Rosny sous-Bois, France
| | - Camille Cohier
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot Universities, Paris, France.,Toxicology Department, Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale, Rosny sous-Bois, France
| | - Xavier Declèves
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot Universities, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Louis Laplanche
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot Universities, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Etheve-Quelquejeu
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Huixiong Chen
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Mégarbane
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot Universities, Paris, France. .,Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France.
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Scheduling synthetic cathinone substances under the Controlled Substances Act. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:845-860. [PMID: 30969348 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5129-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE Cathinones are amphetamine analogues that produce stimulant effects with rewarding properties. For many decades, synthetic cathinones have been used in the United States (USA) for abuse purposes, leading to concern about public safety by the federal government. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the federal government may place drugs with high abuse potential but no currently accepted medical use into Schedule I of the CSA. The process of scheduling an abusable drug involves both the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the Department of Justice, through the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). RESULTS This paper details how numerous synthetic cathinones were placed under CSA control between 1973 and 2018, with an emphasis on 10 cathinones that were placed into Schedule I in 2017 (butylone, naphyrone, pentylone, pentedrone, 3-fluoro-N-methylcathinone (FMC), 4-FMC, 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone, 4-methyl-pyrrolidinopropiophenone, alpha-pyrrolidinobutiophenone, and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone). A summary is provided of the scientific and medical analysis performed by HHS, in the form of an Eight-Factor Analysis (8FA), as prescribed by the CSA. This 8FA was then evaluated and signed by the Assistant Secretary for Health at HHS and transmitted to DEA, which permanently placed the 10 cathinones into Schedule I after public notices were published into the Federal Register. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Understanding the scientific data, analysis, and complex process utilized by the US federal government in the CSA scheduling of cathinones with abuse potential and no accepted medical use is important for transparency in governmental decision-making.
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Stereoselective effects of the second-generation synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP): assessments of conditioned taste avoidance in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1067-1077. [PMID: 30334086 PMCID: PMC8328279 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5070-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Work with α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP), a second-generation synthetic cathinone, has been generally limited to the racemate. Given that with other synthetic cathinones, there are behavioral and neurochemical differences between their enantiomers, differences may also be seen with α-PVP. OBJECTIVES The present study assessed the relative contribution of each enantiomer to the aversive effects of racemic-α-PVP by comparing their ability to induce a conditioned taste avoidance. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed every other day for four exposures to a novel saccharin solution followed immediately by an injection of 0 (saline vehicle) or 1.5, 3, or 6 mg/kg of S-, R-, or racemic-α-PVP (IP). On alternating days, all subjects were given access to water to assess any unconditioned effects of α-PVP on general fluid consumption. RESULTS Rats injected with the racemate and S-isomer of α-PVP displayed avoidance of the drug-associated saccharin solution, although this avoidance was dose-dependent only for the subjects injected with the racemate. There was no evidence of taste avoidance in animals injected with the R-enantiomer at any dose tested. Animals injected with 3 mg/kg racemic-α-PVP did not differ in avoidance from those treated with 1.5 mg/kg of the S-enantiomer, but subjects treated with 6 mg/kg racemic-α-PVP displayed a significantly stronger avoidance than those treated with 3 mg/kg S-α-PVP. CONCLUSIONS The present work suggests that the aversive effects of racemic α-PVP are mediated primarily by its S-isomer. The fact that at the highest dose tested (6 mg/kg), the racemate induces an avoidance greater than the simple additive effects of the S- and R-isomers (at 3 mg/kg) suggests that while the R-isomer may not induce taste avoidance at this dose, it may interact synergistically with the S-isomer in mediating the effects of the racemic mixture. These results were discussed in terms of similar effects with other behavioral and physiological endpoints reported with a number of psychostimulants and suggest that the enantiomers of α-PVP are an important variable in characterizing its behavioral effects.
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Cardiovascular effects of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 195:140-147. [PMID: 30634109 PMCID: PMC6915966 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) toxicity includes intense neurological and cardiovascular events. We examined MDPV-induced cardiovascular, temperature, and locomotor effects following escalating and repeated MDPV administration in adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats and compared these effects to cocaine in male rats. METHODS Telemetry devices were surgically implanted to allow continuous measurement of cardiovascular, temperature, and locomotor activity over a 22 h period after dosing. Rats were administered increasing intraperitoneal (IP) MDPV doses (1-5.6 mg/kg) every other day, followed two days later by a binge regimen of four injections of 3 mg/kg MDPV at 2 h intervals. MDPV serum concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS. Cocaine (3-30 mg/kg) and four injections of 30 mg/kg IP were administered to male rats for comparison with male MDPV data. RESULTS The duration of MDPV cardiovascular effects was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in male rats than female rats at 3-5.6 mg/kg. The ED50 for MDPV-induced locomotor was significantly lower in males (2.4 ± 0.3) than females (3.4 ± 0.2). Males showed significantly greater variability in MDPV serum concentrations than females after binge dosing. MDPV produced five-fold more potent cardiovascular effects than cocaine in male rats. MDPV did not alter thermoregulation in either sex, but cocaine binge administration decreased temperature. CONCLUSION Effects of MDPV on temperature were not significantly different between sexes. MDPV-induced cardiovascular and locomotor effects in males lasted significantly longer and were more potent than in females. These differences appeared to be related to pharmacokinetic factors leading to greater variance in MDPV serum concentrations in males.
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Kolesnikova TO, Khatsko SL, Demin KA, Shevyrin VA, Kalueff AV. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone ("Flakka"). ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:168-174. [PMID: 30384587 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Flakka (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, α-PVP) is a new psychoactive substance, chemically close to cathinone, the primary psychoactive alkaloid of khat ( Catha edulis). Like other synthetic cathinones, α-PVP is a potent inhibitor of the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. Its robust clinical effects include hallucinations, arousal, aggression/violence, and euphoria. In animal models, α-PVP evokes hyperlocomotion and aberrant/stereotypic behaviors. Here, we discuss the history, synthesis, pharmacological mechanisms, metabolism, abuse potential, and societal impact of α-PVP. Today, α-PVP is a tightly controlled substance, currently banned in the United States and other countries worldwide. However, the growing abuse and complex central nervous system (CNS) effects of α-PVP remain poorly understood, necessitating further pharmacological and pharmacogenetic studies of this drug. Its interesting pharmacological profile (co-inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine, but not serotonin, transporters) also calls for further studies of α-PVP in animal models, to dissect serotonergic from other monoaminergic mechanisms of action of drugs of abuse. Finally, screening α-PVP and related compounds in vivo may foster discovery of new CNS drugs, including developing novel CNS drugs and identifying their molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Konstantin A. Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg 194156, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | | | - Allan V. Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
- Anatomy and Physiological Laboratory, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia
- ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana 70458, United States
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, ITBM, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg 194156, Russia
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Novel complication of Flakka: Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 37:562.e1-562.e3. [PMID: 30503281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Flakka, as the newest member of the synthetic cathinone group, is a substance with serious cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, infectious effects and addictive potential. There are only a few case reports and laboratory studies in the literature and there is no dermatological side effects reported yet. We present the first Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) overlap case after Flakka use.
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Methcathinone and 3-Fluoromethcathinone Stimulate Spontaneous Horizontal Locomotor Activity in Mice and Elevate Extracellular Dopamine and Serotonin Levels in the Mouse Striatum. Neurotox Res 2018; 35:594-605. [PMID: 30377956 PMCID: PMC6420425 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9973-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Methcathinone (MC) and 3-fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC) are well-known members of the synthetic cathinone derivatives, the second most abused group of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). They are considered as methamphetamine-like cathinones, as they elicit their psychostimulatory effects via inhibition of monoamine uptake and enhanced release. The present study examines the effects of MC and 3-FMC on the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice and extracellular levels of dopamine and serotonin in the mouse striatum. Both MC and 3-FMC produced a dose-dependent increase of horizontal locomotor activity, but no significant changes in rearing behavior were observed. The locomotor stimulation induced by MC and 3-FMC is mediated by activation of dopaminergic neurotransmission, as selective D1-dopamine receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, abolished the effects of both drugs. In line with pharmacological data obtained by previous in vitro studies, MC and 3-FMC produced potent increases of extracellular dopamine and serotonin levels in the mouse striatum. Taken together, results presented within this study confirm previous findings and expand our knowledge on the pharmacology of MC and 3-FMC along with their behavioral effects.
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Simmons SJ, Leyrer-Jackson JM, Oliver CF, Hicks C, Muschamp JW, Rawls SM, Olive MF. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Cathinone-Derived Psychostimulants. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2379-2394. [PMID: 29714473 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathinone is a plant alkaloid found in khat leaves of perennial shrubs grown in East Africa. Similar to cocaine, cathinone elicits psychostimulant effects which are in part attributed to its amphetamine-like structure. Around 2010, home laboratories began altering the parent structure of cathinone to synthesize derivatives with mechanisms of action, potencies, and pharmacokinetics permitting high abuse potential and toxicity. These "synthetic cathinones" include 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and the empathogenic agent 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone) which collectively gained international popularity following aggressive online marketing as well as availability in various retail outlets. Case reports made clear the health risks associated with these agents and, in 2012, the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States placed a series of synthetic cathinones on Schedule I under emergency order. Mechanistically, cathinone and synthetic derivatives work by augmenting monoamine transmission through release facilitation and/or presynaptic transport inhibition. Animal studies confirm the rewarding and reinforcing properties of synthetic cathinones by utilizing self-administration, place conditioning, and intracranial self-stimulation assays and additionally show persistent neuropathological features which demonstrate a clear need to better understand this class of drugs. This Review will thus detail (i) historical context of cathinone use and the rise of "dark" synthetic derivatives, (ii) structural features and mechanisms of synthetic cathinones, (iii) behavioral effects observed clinically and in animals under controlled laboratory conditions, and (iv) neurotransmitters and circuits that may be targeted to manage synthetic cathinone abuse in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Simmons
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | | | - Chicora F. Oliver
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Callum Hicks
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - John W. Muschamp
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Scott M. Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - M. Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
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Javadi-Paydar M, Harvey EL, Grant Y, Vandewater SA, Creehan KM, Nguyen JD, Dickerson TJ, Taffe MA. Binge-like acquisition of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) self-administration in female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2447-2457. [PMID: 29909425 PMCID: PMC6295352 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4943-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) has been associated with bizarre public behavior in users. Association of such behavior with extended binges of drug use motivates additional investigation, particularly since a prior study found that half of male rats experience a binge of exceptionally high intake, followed by sustained lower levels of self-administration during the acquisition of intravenous self-administration (IVSA) of a related drug, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone. OBJECTIVES The binge-like acquisition pattern is novel for rat IVSA; thus, the present study sought to determine if this effect generalizes to IVSA of α-PVP in female rats. METHODS Female Wistar rats were trained in IVSA of α-PVP (0.05 mg/kg/inf) in experimental chambers containing an activity wheel. Groups were trained with the wheels fixed (No-Wheel group), fixed for the initial 5 days of acquisition or free to move throughout acquisition (Wheel group). The groups were next subjected to a wheel access switch and then all animals to dose-substitution (0.0125-0.3 mg/kg/inf) with the wheels alternately fixed and free to move. RESULTS Approximately half of the rats initiated their IVSA pattern with a binge day of exceptionally high levels of drug intake, independent of wheel access condition. Wheel activity was much lower in the No-Wheel group in the wheel switch post-acquisition. Dose-effect curves were similar for wheel access training groups, for binge/no binge phenotypic subgroups and were not altered with wheel access during the dose-substitution. CONCLUSION This confirms the high reinforcer effectiveness of α-PVP in female rats and the accompanying devaluation of wheel activity as a naturalistic reward.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric L. Harvey
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yanabel Grant
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Kevin M. Creehan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jacques D. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tobin J. Dickerson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A. Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Hicks C, Huang P, Ramos L, Nayak SU, Caro Y, Reitz AB, Smith GR, Lee DYW, Rawls SM, Liu-Chen LY. Dopamine D1-Like Receptor Agonist and D2-Like Receptor Antagonist (-)-Stepholidine Reduces Reinstatement of Drug-Seeking Behavior for 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in Rats. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1327-1337. [PMID: 29597343 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychostimulant reinforcement is mediated by stimulation of both dopamine (DA) D1-like and D2-like receptors, suggesting that pharmacotherapy agents with a dual DA receptor mechanism may be useful for managing psychostimulant abuse. (-)-Stepholidine (L-SPD) is a Chinese herbal extract that functions as a D1-like receptor agonist and D2-like receptor antagonist. L-SPD has been shown to attenuate the reinforcing effects of heroin; however, its effects on the synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) have not been examined. The current study determined the effects of L-SPD on reinstatement of MDPV-seeking behavior in the drug intravenous self-administration (IVSA) and conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigms. To determine whether the effects of L-SPD were specific to psychostimulant reinforcement, we also examined its effects on sucrose-seeking behavior. Using a locomotor activity assay, we tested the locomotor effects of L-SPD, as well as its effects on MDPV-induced hyperactivity. The results of a battery of in vitro binding and functional assays confirmed that L-SPD functioned as a D1-like receptor agonist and D2-like receptor antagonist. In behavioral experiments, L-SPD dose-dependently attenuated cue plus MDPV-primed reinstatement of MDPV-seeking behavior in the IVSA model. The highest dose of L-SPD also attenuated MDPV-primed reinstatement of MDPV CPP, as well as cue-induced reinstatement of sucrose-seeking. L-SPD had no significant locomotor effects, and did not modulate the robust hyperactivity induced by MDPV. The current findings show for the first time a robust reinstatement effect with MDPV, which can be reduced by L-SPD. These results establish a role for DA receptors in drug-seeking behavior for MDPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Hicks
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Linnet Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Sunil U. Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Yohanka Caro
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Allen B. Reitz
- Fox Chase
Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Garry R. Smith
- Fox Chase
Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - David Y.-W. Lee
- Bio-Organic and Natural Products Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, United States
| | - Scott M. Rawls
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
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Pierluigi S, Laura B, Attilio N, Gurjeet K B, Gloria P, Davide M, Borgherini G, Giovanni M, Fabrizio S, Perini G, Ornella C. "Marvin, the Paranoid Android": The Case of an Alpha-PVP User in the Expanding Galaxy of NPS. J Psychoactive Drugs 2018; 50:306-313. [PMID: 29768112 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2018.1447172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-PVP can be defined as a novel psychoactive substance (NPS)-more specifically, a novel synthetic cathinone with unpredictable stimulant effects in humans. "Marvin" arrived at a Dual Diagnosis Unit at Parco dei Tigli, Italy. He underwent a 30-day rehabilitation program to overcome his problematic Alpha-PVP use as a psychonaut. We conducted an online search to understand the properties of Alpha-PVP and its presence in scientific literature, reviewing official reports and the online drug market (e.g., fora, webpages). In the Dual Diagnosis Unit, Marvin completed the 30-day rehabilitation program that included assessments and group and individual cognitive behavioral therapy. Alpha-PVP is a synthetic cathinone with stimulant properties, available in the online market but with unpredictable effects in humans. The present case reports an important risk of psychosis in a psychonaut patient who arrived and declared its intense use before admission to our Unit. This article describes the psychopathological effects of the novel compound Alpha-PVP in a psychonaut patient. Patients attending clinics that have used Alpha-PVP pose a new challenge for traditional services of mental health and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonato Pierluigi
- a School of Life and Medical Sciences , University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield , UK.,b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | - Bulsis Laura
- b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | - Negri Attilio
- c Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Bansal Gurjeet K
- a School of Life and Medical Sciences , University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield , UK
| | - Pessa Gloria
- b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | - Mioni Davide
- b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | | | - Martinotti Giovanni
- d Department of Neuroscience and Imaging , University "G. D'Annunzio , Chieti-Pescara , Italy
| | - Schifano Fabrizio
- a School of Life and Medical Sciences , University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield , UK
| | - Giulia Perini
- b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | - Corazza Ornella
- a School of Life and Medical Sciences , University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield , UK
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Reinforcing effects of abused 'bath salts' constituents 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone and their enantiomers. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:578-581. [PMID: 28570297 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones found in abused 'bath salts' preparations are chiral molecules. Racemic 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) are two common constituents of these preparations that have been reported to be highly effective reinforcers; however, the relative contribution of each enantiomer toward these effects has not been determined. Thus, male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to respond for racemic MDPV or α-PVP (n=9/drug), with full dose-response curves for the racemate and the S and R enantiomers of MDPV and α-PVP generated under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. Racemic mixtures of both MDPV and α-PVP as well as each enantiomer maintained responding in a dose-dependent manner, with racemic MDPV and α-PVP being equipotent. The rank order of potency within each drug was S enantiomer>racemate ≫ R enantiomer. Although both enantiomers of α-PVP were as effective as racemic α-PVP, R-MDPV was a slightly less effective reinforcer than both S and racemic MDPV. The results of these studies provide clear evidence that both enantiomers of MDPV and α-PVP function as highly effective reinforcers and likely contribute toward the abuse-related effects of 'bath salts' preparations containing racemic MDPV and/or α-PVP.
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Effects of the new generation α-pyrrolidinophenones on spontaneous locomotor activities in mice, and on extracellular dopamine and serotonin levels in the mouse striatum. Forensic Toxicol 2018; 36:334-350. [PMID: 29963204 PMCID: PMC6002449 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0409-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Pyrovalerone derivatives (α-pyrrolidinophenones) form a distinct branch of synthetic cathinones, a popular group of novel psychoactive substances, and exert strong psychostimulatory effects resulting from their high potency to inhibit dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine transporters, with negligible activity at the serotonin (5-HT) transporter. In contrast to the old generation α-pyrrolidinophenones, 3,4-MDPV and α-PVP, there is limited data on the pharmacology and toxicology of the novel analogs. Therefore, the present study assesses the in vivo effects of two new pyrovalerones, PV8 and PV9, along with those of α-PVP, on spontaneous locomotor activities of mice and extracellular DA and 5-HT levels in the mouse striatum. Methods Spontaneous locomotor activity was measured using Opto-Varimex Auto-Track. Effects of tested compounds on extracellular levels of DA and 5-HT in the striatum were studied by an in vivo microdialysis technique; their concentrations in dialysate fractions were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Results α-PVP, PV8 and PV9 stimulated mice locomotor activity (an effect being blocked by D1-dopamine receptor antagonist, SCH 23390), and increased extracellular levels of DA and 5-HT in the striatum. Observed effects depend on dose, time and compound under investigation, with α-PVP being more potent than PV8 and PV9. When used at the same dose, the pyrovalerones produced effects significantly weaker than a model, old generation psychostimulant, methamphetamine. Conclusions Enhancement of dopaminergic neurotransmission plays a dominant role in the psychomotor stimulation caused by α-PVP, PV8 and PV9. Extending an aliphatic side chain beyond a certain point leads to the decrease in their potency in vivo. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11419-018-0409-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Gerecsei LI, Csillag A, Zachar G, Gévai L, Simon L, Dobolyi Á, Ádám Á. Gestational Exposure to the Synthetic Cathinone Methylenedioxypyrovalerone Results in Reduced Maternal Care and Behavioral Alterations in Mouse Pups. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:27. [PMID: 29459818 PMCID: PMC5807393 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The member of synthetic cathinone family, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), is a frequently used psychoactive drug of abuse. The objective of our study was to determine the effect of MDPV (administered from the 8th to the 14th day of gestation) on the behavior of neonatal and adolescent mice, as well as its effect on maternal care. We measured maternal care (pup retrieval test, nest building), locomotor activity (open field test), and motor coordination (grip strength test) of dams, whereas on pups we examined locomotor activity at postnatal day 7 and day 21 (open field test) and motor coordination on day 21 (grip strength test). On fresh-frozen brain samples of the dams we examined the expression of two important peptides implicated in the regulation of maternal behavior and lactation: tuberoinfundibular peptide 39 (TIP39) mRNA in the thalamic posterior intralaminar complex, and amylin mRNA in the medial preoptic nucleus. We detected decreased birth rate and survival of offspring, and reduced maternal care in the drug-treated animals, whereas there was no difference between the motility of treated and control mothers. Locomotor activity of the pups was increased in the MDPV treated group both at 7 and 21 days of age, while motor coordination was unaffected by MDPV treatment. TIP39 and amylin were detected in their typical location but failed to show a significant difference of expression between the drug-treated and control groups. The results suggest that chronic systemic administration of the cathinone agent MDPV to pregnant mice can reduce birth rate and maternal care, and it also enhances motility (without impairment of motor coordination) of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- László I Gerecsei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Csillag
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Zachar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lőrinc Gévai
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Adaptation, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Simon
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Adaptation, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Árpád Dobolyi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ádám
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Karila L, Benyamina A. The Effects and Risks Associated with Synthetic Cathinones Use in Humans. CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROTOXICITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-78707-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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