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Kim OH, Jeon KO, Kim G, Jang CG, Yoon SS, Jang EY. The neuropharmacological properties of α-pyrrolidinobutiothiophenone, a new synthetic cathinone, in rodents; role of the dopaminergic system. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:3462-3482. [PMID: 38772548 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16422] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE α-Pyrrolidinobutiothiophenone (α-PBT) is a chemical derivative of cathinone, a structural analogue of amphetamine. Until now, there have been a few previous neurochemical or neurobehavioural studies on the abuse potential of α-PBT. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the abuse potential of α-PBT by measuring psychomotor, rewarding, and reinforcing properties and methamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects in rodents using locomotor activity, conditioned place preference, self-administration, and drug discrimination studies. To clarify the underlying neuropharmacological mechanisms, we measured dopamine levels and neuronal activation in the dorsal striatum. In addition, we investigated the role of the dopamine D1 receptor or D2 receptors in α-PBT-induced hyperlocomotor activity, conditioned place preference, and the methamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effect of α-PBT in rodents. KEY RESULTS α-PBT promoted hyperlocomotor activity in mice. α-PBT induced drug-paired place preference in mice and supported self-administration in rats. In a drug discrimination experiment, α-PBT fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine in rats. Furthermore, α-PBT increased dopamine levels and c-Fos expression in the dorsal striatum of mice, which was associated with these behaviours. Finally, pretreatment with the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 or the D2 receptors antagonist eticlopride significantly attenuated acute or repeated α-PBT-induced hyperlocomotor activity, place preference, and the methamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects in rodents. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that α-PBT has abuse potential at the highest dose tested via enhanced dopaminergic transmission in the dorsal striatum of rodents. The results provide scientific evidence for the legal restrictions of the recreational use of α-PBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oc-Hee Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Oh Jeon
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gihyeon Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shoon Yoon
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Jang
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Brueckner I, Welter-Luedeke J, Zangl A, Graw M, Paul LD. α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) vs. α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP): A toxicological investigation about plasma concentrations and behavior in forensic routine cases. J Anal Toxicol 2024; 48:299-313. [PMID: 38491987 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS), like pyrrolidinophenones, are still very present on the illegal drug market. The presented study reports on two members of this substance group, α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP), which occurred in forensic routine cases in the last 6 years. α-PHP could be detected predominantly by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method in 33 authentic human plasma samples and α-PiHP in 8. α-PHP concentrations ranged from ca. 0.75 to 128 µg/L (mean: 23.2, median: 16.3) and α-PiHP concentrations from 7.33 to 118 µg/L (mean: 44.7, median: 33.7, quantified via α-PHP). Individuals were predominantly male and middle aged. As different studies have shown, some pyrrolidinophenones are able to cause aggressive behavior. Therefore, we set out to investigate the relation of α-PHP and α-PiHP plasma concentrations and the behavior of the consumers, reported by police and medical experts. Part of the subjects showed aggressive behavior, including agitation and restlessness. Lethargic and unremarkable behavior might be explained by co-consumption of other drugs, such as opiates/opioids, benzodiazepines, pregabalin or alcohol as well as by drug tolerance and subacute effects of stimulants. Multi-drug use could be detected in all cases; also stimulating substances and multiple different pyrrolidinophenones were determined. Nevertheless, users of α-PHP and α-PiHP showed a tendency to act aggressively, possibly triggered by a high selectivity for dopamine transporter inhibition. In accordance, committed offenses were often violent crimes. This might be considered in terms of toxicological assessment of criminal responsibility and driving ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Brueckner
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Jessica Welter-Luedeke
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Anna Zangl
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Matthias Graw
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Liane D Paul
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
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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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Dinis P, Franco J, Margalho C. α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP): A Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:429. [PMID: 38672701 PMCID: PMC11051472 DOI: 10.3390/life14040429] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
New Psychoactive Substances are currently a serious and growing problem affecting public health worldwide. By 2022, 1184 of these substances had been identified over a period of 16 years. Within these, α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP) have emerged, two synthetic cathinones from the pyrovalerone derivates subgroup that are positional isomers of each other. Alpha-PHP appeared on the Japanese illicit drug market in 2014 and, two years later, α-PiHP was identified for the first time in China. They were placed in schedule II on the list of Psychotropic Substances under International Control in 2020 and in March 2023, respectively. Both cathinones have no therapeutic potential for medical use and therefore are abused for recreational habits, which can lead to fatalities. The most frequent adverse effects reported are cardiac, psychiatric, and neurologic, and fatal intoxications have already been described. In Portugal, their consumption and consequent seizures are more prevalent on the archipelagos, which has been aggravating the health situation. In conclusion, these types of substances are a challenge for forensic toxicology since they are easily synthesized, modified, and placed on the market. Therefore, more studies to develop analytical methods to detect them and more comprehensive legislation should be applied. Thus, this review aimed to address the legislative, physicochemical, toxicological, and analytical aspects of both substances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cláudia Margalho
- Laboratory of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, I.P.—Centre Branch, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde (Pólo III)—Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (P.D.); (J.F.)
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Manke HN, Nunn SS, Sulima A, Rice KC, Riley AL. Effects of Serial Polydrug Use on the Rewarding and Aversive Effects of the Novel Synthetic Cathinone Eutylone. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1294. [PMID: 37759895 PMCID: PMC10526358 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091294] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As individual synthetic cathinones become scheduled and regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), new ones regularly are produced and distributed. One such compound is eutylone, a novel third-generation synthetic cathinone whose affective properties (and abuse potential) are largely unknown. The following experiments begin to characterize these effects and how they may be impacted by drug history (a factor affecting reward/aversion for other drugs of abuse). METHODS Eutylone was assessed for its ability to induce conditioned taste avoidance (CTA; aversive effect) and conditioned place preference (CPP; rewarding effect) and their relationship (Experiment 1). Following this, the effects of exposure to cocaine or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] on eutylone's affective properties were investigated (Experiment 2). RESULTS Eutylone produced dose-dependent CTA and CPP (Experiment 1), and these endpoints were unrelated. Pre-exposure to cocaine and MDMA differentially impacted taste avoidance induced by eutylone (MDMA > cocaine) and did not impact eutylone-induced place preference. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that eutylone, like other synthetic cathinones, has co-occurring, independent rewarding and aversive effects that may contribute to its abuse potential and that these effects are differentially impacted by drug history. Although these studies begin the characterization of eutylone, future studies should examine the impact of other factors on eutylone's affective properties and its eventual reinforcing effects (i.e., intravenous self-administration [IVSA]) to predict its use and abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley N. Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (H.N.M.)
| | - Samuel S. Nunn
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (H.N.M.)
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA (K.C.R.)
| | - 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 (K.C.R.)
| | - Anthony L. Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (H.N.M.)
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Davies RA, Nguyen VT, Eltit JM, Glennon RA. Structure-Activity Relationships for a Recently Controlled Synthetic Cathinone Dopamine Transporter Reuptake Inhibitor: α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP). ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2527-2536. [PMID: 37406364 PMCID: PMC10670441 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00156] [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] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) is the one-carbon unit α-extended homolog of the better-known and widely abused synthetic cathinone central stimulant α-PVP ("flakka"); both are now U.S. Schedule I controlled substances. Structurally, α-PVP and α-PHP possess a common terminal N-pyrrolidine moiety and differ only with respect to the length of their α-alkyl chain. Using a synaptosomal assay, we previously reported that α-PHP is at least as potent as α-PVP as a dopamine transporter (DAT) reuptake inhibitor. A systematic structure-activity study of synthetic cathinones (e.g., α-PHP) as DAT reuptake inhibitors (i.e., transport blockers), a mechanism thought responsible for their abuse liability, has yet to be conducted. Here, we examined a series of 4-substituted α-PHP analogues and found that, with one exception, all behaved as relatively (28- to >300-fold) selective DAT versus serotonin transporter (SERT) reuptake inhibitors with DAT inhibition potencies of most falling within a very narrow (i.e., <3-fold) range. The 4-CF3 analogue of α-PHP was a confirmed "outlier" in that it was at least 80-fold less potent than the other analogues and displayed reduced (i.e., no) DAT vs SERT selectivity. Consideration of various physicochemical properties of the CF3 group, relative to that of the other substituents involved here, provided relatively little insight. Unlike with DAT-releasing agents, as previously reported by us, a QSAR study was precluded because of the limited range of empirical results (with the exception of the 4-CF3 analogue) for DAT reuptake inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Davies
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia 23298 U.S
| | - Vy T. Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia 23298 U.S
| | - Jose M. Eltit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia 23298 U.S
| | - Richard A. Glennon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia 23298 U.S
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Shetty RA, Hoch AC, Sumien N, Forster MJ, Gatch MB. Comparison of locomotor stimulant and drug discrimination effects of four synthetic cathinones to commonly abused psychostimulants. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:520-528. [PMID: 36738095 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221142566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The underground market is constantly flooded with newer synthetic as alternatives to the older cathinones. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has identified four cathinone compounds of particular concern: 3,4-methylenedioxy-alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (3,4-MD-α-PHP), 4-chloro-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-Cl-α-PPP), alpha-pyrrolidinoisohexiophenone (α-PiHP) and 4-chloro-pentedrone (4-Cl-pentedrone). AIMS The current study aimed to evaluate the behavioral pharmacology of four synthetic cathinones. METHODS 3,4-MD-α-PHP, 4-Cl-α-PPP, α-PiHP, and 4-CPD were tested for locomotor activity in mice and in a drug discrimination assay with rats trained to discriminate either methamphetamine or cocaine. RESULTS Locomotor stimulant effects of 3,4-MD-α-PHP ((effective dose) ED50 = 1.98 mg/kg), α-PiHP (ED50 = 2.46 mg/kg), and 4-Cl-α-PPP (ED50 = 7.18 mg/kg) were observed within 10 min following injection and lasted from 2 to 3.5 h. The stimulant action of 4-CPD (ED50 = 17.24 mg/kg) was delayed, occurring 40-70 min following injection. The maximal motor stimulant actions of 3,4-MD-α-PHP and α-PiHP 1 were equivalent to that of cocaine and methamphetamine, whereas 4-CPD (50% of cocaine) and 4-Cl-α-PPP (73% of cocaine) were less efficacious. All of the test compounds fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine, 3,4-MD-α-PHP (ED50 = 2.28 mg/kg), α-PiHP (ED50 = 3.84 mg/kg), and 4-Cl-α-PPP (ED50 = 15.56 mg/kg). Only 3,4-MD-α-PHP (ED50 = 1.65 mg/kg), α-PiHP (ED50 = 1.87 mg/kg), and 4-Cl-α-PPP (ED50 = 9.79 mg/kg) fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine. 4-Cl-pentedrone caused 55-70% methamphetamine-appropriate responding at doses that also suppressed responding and produced convulsions. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that 3,4-MD-α-PHP, α-PiHP, and 4-Cl-α-PPP have a potential for abuse similar to that of methamphetamine and cocaine. In contrast, 4-Cl-pentedrone may not be popular for recreational use due to its convulsant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu A Shetty
- Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Adam C Hoch
- Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Nathalie Sumien
- Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Michael J Forster
- Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Michael B Gatch
- Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Kim OH, Jeon KO, Jang EY. Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone (α-PVT) activates the TLR-NF-κB-MAPK signaling pathway and proinflammatory cytokine production and induces behavioral sensitization in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 221:173484. [PMID: 36272636 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are chemical derivatives of cathinone, a structural analog to amphetamine. It has been shown that synthetic cathinones have abuse potentials similar to psychomotor stimulants such as amphetamine and induce neuroinflammation. Among the novel synthetic cathinones, α-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone (α-PVT) has been known to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects in rodent models. However, it has not yet been determined whether α-PVT induces neuroinflammation in vivo. In the present study, mice were exposed to repeated saline or α-PVT (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for 7 days to test changes in locomotor activity and neuroinflammation-related factors in the striatum of mice. Repeated administration of α-PVT significantly induced locomotor sensitization. In addition, repeated α-PVT administration significantly increased the number of microglial cells, accompanied by marked increases in TLR1, TLR4, TLR6, and TLR7 mRNA levels in the striatum of mice. Furthermore, acute or repeated α-PVT administration increased the levels of phosphorylated NF-κB, ERK, p38, and JNK MAPK activation and repeated α-PVT, but not acute, increased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA in the striatum of mice. Finally, systemic administration of TAK-242 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or MPLA (50 μg/kg, i.p.), each an inhibitor or activator of TLR4, did not change α-PVT-induced behavioral sensitization in mice. These results suggest that the activation of TLR4 by repeated α-PVT administration may lead to neuroinflammation via TLR-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in the striatum of mice, at least without the regulation of behavioral sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oc-Hee Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Oh Jeon
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Jang
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea.
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Relative reinforcing effects of dibutylone, ethylone, and N-ethylpentylone: self-administration and behavioral economics analysis in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2875-2884. [PMID: 35716192 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Following the emergence of methylone as one of the most popular synthetic cathinones, this group of novel psychoactive substance with names ending in "-lone," such as dibutylone, ethylone, and N-ethylpentylone, appeared on the recreational drug market. The pharmacological mechanisms of dibutylone, ethylone, and N-ethylpentylone are well understood; however, to date, the reinforcing effects of dibutylone, ethylone, and N-ethylpentylone are still unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the self-administration of dibutylone, ethylone, and N-ethylpentylone relative to methamphetamine (METH) and to quantify their relative reinforcing effectiveness using behavioral economic analysis. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer METH (0.05 mg/kg) under a fixed-ratio 1 (FR1) schedule. Following the training, dose substitution was used to generate full dose-response curves for METH and the three synthetic cathinones. According to the first doses on the descending limb of the dose-response curves, rats were trained to self-administer METH (0.05 mg/kg), dibutylone (0.1 mg·kg-1·infusion-1), ethylone (0.4 mg·kg-1·infusion-1), or N-ethylpentylone (0.1 mg·kg-1·infusion-1) under an FR1 schedule, and a behavioral economic evaluation of their reinforcing effectiveness was then performed. RESULTS Dibutylone, ethylone, and N-ethylpentylone functioned as reinforcers, and the inverted U-shaped dose-response curves were obtained. The rank order of reinforcing potency in this procedure was METH > N-ethylpentylone ≈ dibutylone > ethylone. In the economic analysis, the comparisons of the essential value (EV) transformed from demand elasticity (α) indicated that the rank order of efficacy as reinforcers was METH (EV = 7.93) ≈ dibutylone (EV = 7.81) > N-ethylpentylone (EV = 5.21) ≈ ethylone (EV = 4.19). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that dibutylone, ethylone, and N-ethylpentylone function as reinforcers and have addictive potential, suggesting that the modification of α-alkyl and N-alkyl side chains may affect their reinforcing efficacy.
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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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Ji J, Zhang Y, Wang J. Rapid detection of nine synthetic cathinones in blood and urine by direct analysis in real-time-tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9136. [PMID: 34080240 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Designer drugs of cathinone, a kind of hallucinogen, were abused in the recent years. They were also known as bath salts, plant fertilizers, and zombie potions in drug market. The abuse of synthetic cathinones caused many bad effects on social order. Rapid detection of synthetic cathinones became an important subject of study in forensic science. METHODS Direct analysis in real-time-tandem mass spectrometry (DART-MS/MS) was used to develop an effective method on nine synthetic cathinones in human whole blood and urine. The reference materials with 100 ng/mL were prepared for mass spectrometry optimization with electrospray ionization (ESI) probe tandem QTRAP 4000 mass spectrometer. The temperature of DART ion source was optimized to 400°C. The volumes of 4/1 (v/v) MeCN/MeOH with 0.69 mL were selected for the preparation of 0.31 mL blood and urine samples, respectively. Then the spiked analytes were prepared for detection by the DART 12Dip-it autosampler module. RESULTS The results showed that the linearities range between 0.1 and 5 μg/mL, the correlation coefficients (r2 ) ranged from 0.99 to 1, the limits of detection (LODs) were all between 0.5 and 50 ng/mL, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of repeatability, intra-day and inter-day precisions were all below 13% and 14% in blood and urine, respectively. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the method could meet the needs of rapid screening of samples that may contain synthetic cathinones. In addition, the method developed has many advantages, such as efficient, fast sample preparation, and environmental protection. Therefore, the DART-MS/MS method would provide effective data support for rapid screening of synthetic cathinones in forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Ji
- School of Criminal Investigation, People's Public Security University of China, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Forensic Science Service of Beijing Public Security Bureau, Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Jifen Wang
- School of Criminal Investigation, People's Public Security University of China, Beijing, 100038, China
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Seaman RW, Doyle MR, Sulima A, Rice KC, Collins GT. Discriminative stimulus effects of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and structurally related synthetic cathinones. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:357-367. [PMID: 33587482 PMCID: PMC8266731 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and other structurally related synthetic cathinones, are popular alternatives to prototypical illicit psychostimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. These drugs are often referred to as 'bath salts' and function either as cocaine-like inhibitors of monoamine uptake, or amphetamine-like substrates for dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin transporters. These studies used male Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate MDPV from saline to evaluate the substitution profiles of structurally related synthetic cathinones, cocaine, and other direct-acting dopamine and noradrenergic receptor agonists in order to characterize the relative contributions of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin to the discriminative stimulus effects of MDPV. As expected, each of the cathinones and cocaine dose-dependently increased MDPV-appropriate responding, with a rank-order potency that was positively correlated with their potency to inhibit dopamine and norepinephrine, but not serotonin, a relationship that is consistent with the rank order to maintain self-administration. The dopamine D2/3 receptor-preferring agonist quinpirole produced a modest increase in MDPV-appropriate responding, whereas the dopamine D1/5 receptor agonist, SKF 82958, nonselective dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine, as well as the α-1, and α-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, phenylephrine and clonidine, respectively, failed to increase MDPV-appropriate responding at doses smaller than those that suppressed responding altogether. Although these studies do not support a role for serotonergic or adrenergic systems in mediating/modulating the discriminative stimulus effects of MDPV, convergent evidence is provided to suggest that the discriminative stimulus effects of MDPV are primarily mediated by its capacity to inhibit dopamine uptake, and the subsequent activation of dopamine D2 or D3 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Seaman
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Research Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Michelle R Doyle
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Research Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, NIDA- and NIAAA-Intramural Research Programs, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, NIDA- and NIAAA-Intramural Research Programs, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory T Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Research Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
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Kolaczynska KE, Thomann J, Hoener MC, Liechti ME. The Pharmacological Profile of Second Generation Pyrovalerone Cathinones and Related Cathinone Derivative. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158277. [PMID: 34361040 PMCID: PMC8348686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyrovalerone cathinones are potent psychoactive substances that possess a pyrrolidine moiety. Pyrovalerone-type novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are continuously detected but their pharmacology and toxicology are largely unknown. We assessed several pyrovalerone and related cathinone derivatives at the human norepinephrine (NET), dopamine (DAT), and serotonin (SERT) uptake transporters using HEK293 cells overexpressing each respective transporter. We examined the transporter-mediated monoamine efflux in preloaded cells. The receptor binding and activation potency was also assessed at the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors. All pyrovalerone cathinones were potent DAT (IC50 = 0.02-8.7 μM) and NET inhibitors (IC50 = 0.03-4.6 μM), and exhibited no SERT activity at concentrations < 10 μM. None of the compounds induced monoamine efflux. NEH was a potent DAT/NET inhibitor (IC50 = 0.17-0.18 μM). 4F-PBP and NEH exhibited a high selectivity for the DAT (DAT/SERT ratio = 264-356). Extension of the alkyl chain enhanced NET and DAT inhibition potency, while presence of a 3,4-methylenedioxy moiety increased SERT inhibition potency. Most compounds did not exhibit any relevant activity at other monoamine receptors. In conclusion, 4F-PBP and NEH were selective DAT/NET inhibitors indicating that these substances likely produce strong psychostimulant effects and have a high abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina E. Kolaczynska
- Division of Psychopharmacology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (K.E.K.); (J.T.)
| | - Jan Thomann
- Division of Psychopharmacology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (K.E.K.); (J.T.)
| | - Marius C. Hoener
- Neuroscience Research, pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Matthias E. Liechti
- Division of Psychopharmacology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (K.E.K.); (J.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: + 41-61-328-68-68
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Baird TR, Davies RA, Glennon RA, Peace MR, Negus SS. A Strategy to Prioritize Emerging Drugs of Abuse for Analysis: Abuse Liability Testing Using Intracranial Self-Stimulation (ICSS) in Rats and Validation with α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP). EMERGING TRENDS IN DRUGS, ADDICTIONS, AND HEALTH 2021; 1:100004. [PMID: 34296204 PMCID: PMC8294200 DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2021.100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) threaten public health and safety while also straining the limited resources of forensic laboratories. To efficiently allocate the finite resources available, we propose a new strategy for prioritizing NPS with abuse liability testing using a preclinical behavioral procedure in rats known as intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). To validate this assay, the recently-scheduled synthetic cathinone α-PHP was compared to cocaine, a mechanistically similar drug of abuse, as a positive control and saline as a negative control. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6) were implanted with electrodes targeting the medial forebrain bundle and trained to respond by lever-press for electrical brain stimulation. The rats were tested with doses of 0.32, 1.0, and 3.2 mg/kg α-PHP as well as 10 mg/kg of cocaine and saline administered by intraperitoneal injection. Neither saline nor 0.32 mg/kg α-PHP altered ICSS response rates compared to baseline levels of responding; however, doses of 1.0 and 3.2 mg/kg α-PHP and 10 mg/kg cocaine facilitated ICSS responding. This ICSS profile suggests that α-PHP has high abuse potential, with a rapid onset of effects and a long duration of action, and supports the decision to schedule this compound. This study demonstrates the ability of ICSS to distinguish between compounds of low and high potential for abuse. A strategy is proposed here to screen NPS using ICSS and classify emerging drugs into four priority categories for further analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyson R. Baird
- Integrative Life Sciences Doctoral Program, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Rachel A. Davies
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | | | - S. Stevens Negus
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University
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Paul LD, Welter-Luedeke J, Penzel S, Zangl A, Graw M. Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone (α-PVT): A forensic case study including plasma concentrations. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 321:110721. [PMID: 33640778 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone (α-PVT) belongs to the drug class of pyrrolidinophenones, a subgroup of synthetic cathinones, which are among the most prevalent new psychoactive substances. The study describes a series of 44 authentic forensic cases with analytical confirmed intake of α-PVT. Plasma concentrations, determined by a validated LC-MS/MS method, ranged from ca. 0.9 to 306 µg/L (median 35.6; mean 66.6 µg/L). Comprehensive toxicological analysis proved excessive co-consumption in almost all cases, including other pyrovalerones and classic stimulants as well as central depressant drugs such as opiates/opioids, benzodiazepines, pregabalin and/or ethanol. Subjects were aged between 26 and 54 years (median 35 years, mean 36 years) and appeared to be mainly experienced intravenous drug consumers. A high incidence of aberrant behavior in terms of aggressive, combative behavior and psychotic changes could be observed, as also reflected in accused offences, which frequently presented violent crimes. In consideration of several confounding factors, the study suggests a relationship between frequency of such impairment and plasma concentrations of α-PVT, but individual cases without signs of behavioral changes and high plasma concentrations also occurred, which might be explained by developed tolerance and/or individual vulnerably for the psychotic effects of pyrovalerones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liane D Paul
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Jessica Welter-Luedeke
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Saskia Penzel
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Zangl
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Graw
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
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16
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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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17
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Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects of seven cathinones in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 31:378-384. [PMID: 31895060 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinone derivatives are commonly considered quasi-legal alternatives for stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, but some derivatives are increasingly being detected in club drug formulations of Ecstasy or 'Molly' as substitutes for methylenedioxymethamphetamine (±-MDMA). Although several studies have evaluated the psychostimulant-like effects of synthetic cathinones, few cathinone compounds have been assessed for MDMA-like activity. In order to determine their likelihood of interchangeability with entactogenic club drugs, the discriminative stimulus effects of methcathinone, 4-fluoromethcathinone, 4-methylmethcathinone, 4-methylethcathinone, 3-fluoromethcathinone, pentedrone, and ethylone were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 1.5 mg/kg racemic methylenedioxymethamphetamine (±-MDMA) from vehicle. Methamphetamine and the cathinones 4-fluoromethcathinone, 4-methylmethcathinone, 4-methylethcathinone, 3-fluoromethcathinone, pentedrone, and ethylone fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of ±-MDMA. In contrast, methcathinone produced a maximum of only 43% ±-MDMA-appropriate responding and higher doses suppressed responding. Most, but not all of the cathinone compounds tested have discriminative stimulus effects similar to those of MDMA as well as psychostimulant-like effects; however, the potency of MDMA versus psychostimulant substitution varies substantially among the compounds, suggesting that a subset of synthetic cathinones are more MDMA-like than psychostimulant-like. These findings further highlight the highly-variable pharmacology of this class of compounds and suggest that those cathinones with MDMA-like effects may also have increased use as club drugs.
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18
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Gatch MB, Forster MJ. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects of pyrrolidinyl cathinones in rats. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:778-785. [PMID: 32536334 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120914213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cathinone derivatives are used as alternatives both for stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine and for club drugs such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), but little is known about their MDMA-like subjective effects. METHODS In order to determine their similarity to MDMA, the discriminative stimulus effects of 10 pyrrolidinyl cathinones (α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone, 4'-methyl-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4'-MePPP), α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone, 3',4'-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinobutyrophenone (MD-PBP), α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, 3,4-methylenedioxy-pyrovalerone (MDPV), α-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone, napthylpyrovalerone (naphyrone), α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone, and 4'-methyl-α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (4'-MePHP)) were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 1.5 mg/kg racemic ±-MDMA from vehicle. RESULTS Compounds with no substitutions on the phenyl ring and the thiophene produced 44-67% MDMA-appropriate responding. In contrast, the substituted pyrrolidinyl cathinones produced a range of MDMA-appropriate responding dependent upon the length of the alpha side chain. 4'-MePPP, with a single carbon on the alpha position, produced 99.8% MDMA-appropriate responding, MD-PBP (two carbons) produced 83%, naphyrone (three carbons) produced 71%, MDPV (three carbons) produced, 66%, and 4'-MePHP (four carbons) produced 47%. CONCLUSIONS Many cathinone compounds have discriminative stimulus effects similar to those of MDMA. However, the pyrrolidine substitution appears to reduce serotonergic effects, with a commensurate decrease in MDMA-like effects. Substitutions on the phenyl ring appear to be able to restore MDMA-like responding, but only in compounds with short alpha side chains. These findings agree with earlier findings of increasing dopaminergic effects and stronger reinforcing effects with increasing side chain. Assessment of more compounds is necessary to establish the replicability/robustness of this phenomenon. These findings may be of use in predicting which compounds will have MDMA/club drug-like effects versus psychostimulant-like effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Gatch
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Michael J Forster
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
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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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Angoa-Pérez M, Zagorac B, Winters AD, Greenberg JM, Ahmad M, Theis KR, Kuhn DM. Differential effects of synthetic psychoactive cathinones and amphetamine stimulants on the gut microbiome in mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227774. [PMID: 31978078 PMCID: PMC6980639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The list of pharmacological agents that can modify the gut microbiome or be modified by it continues to grow at a high rate. The greatest amount of attention on drug-gut microbiome interactions has been directed primarily at pharmaceuticals used to treat infection, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and cancer. By comparison, drugs of abuse and addiction, which can powerfully and chronically worsen human health, have received relatively little attention in this regard. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to characterize how selected synthetic psychoactive cathinones (aka “Bath Salts”) and amphetamine stimulants modify the gut microbiome. Mice were treated with mephedrone (40 mg/kg), methcathinone (80 mg/kg), methamphetamine (5 mg/kg) or 4-methyl-methamphetamine (40 mg/kg), following a binge regimen consisting of 4 injections at 2h intervals. These drugs were selected for study because they are structural analogs that contain a β-keto substituent (methcathinone), a 4-methyl group (4-methyl-methamphetamine), both substituents (mephedrone) or neither (methamphetamine). Mice were sacrificed 1, 2 or 7 days after treatment and DNA from caecum contents was subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing. We found that all drugs caused significant time- and structure-dependent alterations in the diversity and taxonomic structure of the gut microbiome. The two phyla most changed by drug treatments were Firmicutes (methcathinone, 4-methyl-methamphetamine) and Bacteriodetes (methcathinone, 4-methyl-methamphetamine, methamphetamine, mephedrone). Across time, broad microbiome changes from the phylum to genus levels were characteristic of all drugs. The present results signify that these selected psychoactive drugs, which are thought to exert their primary effects within the CNS, can have profound effects on the gut microbiome. They also suggest new avenues of investigation into the possibility that gut-derived signals could modulate drug abuse and addiction via altered communication along the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Branislava Zagorac
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Winters
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jonathan M. Greenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Madison Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kevin R. Theis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Donald M. Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Nagy EK, Overby PF, Olive MF. Reinforcing Effects of the Synthetic Cathinone α-Pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP) in a Repeated Extended Access Binge Paradigm. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:862. [PMID: 33192631 PMCID: PMC7477084 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are designer psychostimulants that are derivatives of the natural alkaloid cathinone, and produce effects similar to more traditional illicit stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. The pyrovalerone cathinones methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP) exert their effects via inhibition of presynaptic dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake transporters. While the reinforcing effects of MDPV in rodents are well-established, very few studies have examined self-administration patterns of α-PPP. Users of synthetic cathinones often engage in repeated binge episodes of drug intake that last several days. We therefore sought to determine the reinforcing effects of three doses of α-PPP (0.05, 0.1 and 0.32 mg/kg/infusion) under conditions of prolonged binge-like access conditions, with three 96-h periods of drug access interspersed with 72 h of abstinence. MDPV (0.05 mg/kg/infusion) was used as a comparison drug. Our results show that both MDPV and the high (0.32 mg/kg/infusion) dose of α-PPP are readily self-administered at high levels across all three extended access periods, whereas lower doses of α-PPP produce variable and less robust levels of self-administration. These results indicate that higher doses of α-PPP have reinforcing effects under conditions of extended access, suggesting the potential for abuse and a need for consideration in drug control policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Nagy
- Addiction Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Paula F Overby
- Addiction Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - M Foster Olive
- Addiction Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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Gatch MB, Dolan SB, Forster MJ. Locomotor activity and discriminative stimulus effects of five novel synthetic cathinone analogs in mice and rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 199:50-58. [PMID: 30986635 PMCID: PMC6534427 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of novel synthetic psychoactive substances continues to accelerate. There are little or no data on the pharmacological mechanisms, behavioral effects, or abuse liability of many of the newer compounds, despite increasing reports of severe adverse effects in recreational users. METHODS The current study investigated the discriminative stimulus and locomotor stimulant effects of a group of synthetic cathinone analogs: N-ethylpentylone, dimethylone, dibutylone, clephedrone, 3',4'-tetramethylene-α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (TH-PVP). Locomotor activity was assessed in an open-field assay using Swiss-Webster mice. Discriminative stimulus effects were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate either cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA from vehicle. RESULTS N-Ethylpentylone, dimethylone, dibutylone and clephedrone increased locomotor activity. Maximal effects were similar among the test compounds. Relative potencies were: methamphetamine > N-ethylpentylone > clephedrone > dimethylone > MDMA > cocaine > dibutylone. TH-PVP dose-dependently depressed locomotor activity. N-Ethylpentylone, dimethylone, dibutylone and clephedrone substituted fully for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine. N-Ethylpentylone, dibutylone and clephedrone fully substituted for cocaine, whereas dimethylone produced a maximum of 67% drug-appropriate responding. Dimethylone, dibutylone and clephedrone fully substituted for MDMA, whereas N-ethylpentylone produced only 50% drug-appropriate responding. TH-PVP produced a maximum of 38% methamphetamine-appropriate responding, 50% cocaine-appropriate responding, and less than 1% MDMA-appropriate responding. CONCLUSIONS These data provide initial evidence that the novel psychoactive substances N-ethylpentylone, dimethylone, dibutylone, and clephedrone demonstrate potential for abuse as psychostimulants and/or club drugs, given their ability to stimulate locomotor activity and their substitution for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine, cocaine and/or MDMA. TH-PVP has minimal activity in the assays tested and may have little or no abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Gatch
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107-2699, USA.
| | - Sean B Dolan
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107-2699, USA
| | - Michael J Forster
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107-2699, USA
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Chen Y, Blough BE, Murnane KS, Canal CE. The synthetic cathinone psychostimulant α-PPP antagonizes serotonin 5-HT 2A receptors: In vitro and in vivo evidence. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:990-998. [PMID: 30845376 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are β-keto analogs of amphetamines. Like amphetamines, SCs target monoamine transporters; however, unusual neuropsychiatric symptoms have been associated with abuse of some SCs, suggesting SCs might possess additional pharmacological properties. We performed radioligand competition binding assays to assess the affinities of nine SCs at human 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2A R) and muscarinic M1 receptors (M1 R) transiently expressed in HEK293 cells. None of the SCs exhibited affinity at M1 R (minimal displacement of [~Kd ] [3 H]scopolamine up to 10 μM). However, two SCs, α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP) and 4-methyl-α-PPP, had low μM Ki values at 5-HT2A R. In 5-HT2A R-phosphoinositide hydrolysis assays, α-PPP and 4-methyl-α-PPP displayed inverse agonist activity. We further assessed the 5-HT2A R functional activity of α-PPP, and observed it competitively antagonized 5-HT2A R signaling stimulated by the 5-HT2 R agonist (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI; Kb = 851 nM). To assess in vivo 5-HT2A R activity, we examined the effects of α-PPP on the DOI-elicited head-twitch response (HTR) in mice. α-PPP dose-dependently blocked the HTR with maximal suppression at 10 mg/kg (P < 0.0001), which is a moderate dose used in studies investigating psychostimulant properties of α-PPP. To corroborate a 5-HT2A R mechanism, we also tested 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-PPP (MDPPP) and 3-bromomethcathinone (3-BMC), SCs that we observed had 5-HT2A R Ki s > 10 μM. Neither MDPPP nor 3-BMC, at 10 mg/kg doses, attenuated the DOI HTR. Our results suggest α-PPP has antagonist interactions at 5-HT2A R in vitro that may translate at physiologically-relevant doses in vivo. Considering 5-HT2A R antagonism has been shown to mitigate effects of psychostimulants, this property may contribute to α-PPPs unpopularity compared to other monoamine transporter inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kevin S Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Clinton E Canal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Effects of the second-generation "bath salt" cathinone alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP) on behavior and monoamine neurochemistry in male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1107-1117. [PMID: 30276421 PMCID: PMC6443494 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5044-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic cathinones ("bath salts") are β-ketone analogs of amphetamines, yet few studies have examined their potential neurotoxic effects. OBJECTIVE In the current study, we assessed the persistent behavioral and neurochemical effects of exposure to the second-generation synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP). METHODS Male, Swiss-Webster mice were exposed to α-PPP (80 mg/kg) using a binge-like dosing regimen (QID, q2h). Behavior was assessed 4-5 days after the dosing regimen, and neurochemistry was assessed the following day. Behavior was studied using the elevated plus maze, Y-maze, and novel object recognition tests. Regional levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and the major dopamine metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were determined in the prefrontal cortex and striatum using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Additional experiments assessed the time courses of the effects of α-PPP on locomotor activity and core temperature using telemetry. RESULTS Exposure to α-PPP significantly impaired performance in the Y-maze, decreased overall exploratory activity in the novel object recognition test, and resulted in regionally specific depletions in monoamine neurochemistry. In contrast, it had no significant effect on elevated plus maze performance or object discrimination in the novel object recognition test. The locomotor-stimulant effects of α-PPP were comparable to cocaine (30 mg/kg), and α-PPP (80 mg/kg) did not induce hyperthermia. CONCLUSIONS α-PPP exposure results in persistent changes in exploratory behavior, spatial working memory, and monoamine neurochemistry. This research highlights potential dangers of α-PPP, including potential neurotoxicity, and suggests that the mechanisms underlying the persistent untoward effects of the cathinones may be distinct from those of the amphetamines.
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Yoon HS, Ku MJ, Cai WT, Kim JH. A novel synthetic cathinone, α-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone (PVT), produces locomotor sensitization in rat: Implications for GSK3β connections in the nucleus accumbens core. Neurochem Int 2019; 124:25-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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26
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The abuse-related effects of pyrrolidine-containing cathinones are related to their potency and selectivity to inhibit the dopamine transporter. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:2399-2407. [PMID: 30305739 PMCID: PMC6180085 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are common constituents of abused "bath salts" preparations and represent a large family of structurally related compounds that function as cocaine-like inhibitors or amphetamine-like substrates of dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET), and serotonin (SERT) transporters. Preclinical evidence suggests that some cathinones (e.g., MDPV and α-PVP) are more effective reinforcers than prototypical stimulant drugs of abuse, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Although the reinforcing potency of these cathinones is related to their potency to inhibit DAT, less is known about the pharmacological determinants of their unusually high reinforcing effectiveness. To this end, we tested the hypothesis that reinforcing effectiveness of cathinone stimulants is positively correlated with their selectivity for DAT relative to SERT. Uptake inhibition assays in rat brain synaptosomes were used to directly compare the potency of MDPV, MDPBP, MDPPP, α-PVP, α-PPP, and cocaine at DAT, NET, and SERT, whereas intravenous self-administration in rats was used to quantify relative reinforcing effectiveness of the drugs using progressive ratio (PR) and behavioral economic procedures. All cathinones were more potent at DAT than NET or SERT, with a rank order for selectivity at DAT over SERT of α-PVP > α-PPP > MDPV > MDPBP > MDPPP > cocaine. These synthetic cathinones were more effective reinforcers than cocaine, and the measures of reinforcing effectiveness determined by PR and demand curve analyses were highly correlated with selectivity for DAT over SERT. Together, these studies provide strong and convergent evidence that the abuse potential of stimulant drugs is mediated by uptake inhibition at DAT, with activity at SERT serving as a negative modulator of reinforcing effectiveness.
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Ni YF, Wang H, Gu QY, Wang FY, Wang YJ, Wang JL, Jiang B. Gemfibrozil has antidepressant effects in mice: Involvement of the hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor system. J Psychopharmacol 2018. [PMID: 29534628 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118762072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder has become one of the most serious neuropsychiatric disorders worldwide. However, currently available antidepressants used in clinical practice are ineffective for a substantial proportion of patients and always have side effects. Besides being a lipid-regulating agent, gemfibrozil is an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α). We investigated the antidepressant effects of gemfibrozil on C57BL/6J mice using the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), as well as the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression. The changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling cascade in the brain after CUMS and gemfibrozil treatment were further assessed. Pharmacological inhibitors and lentivirus-expressed short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were also used to clarify the antidepressant mechanisms of gemfibrozil. Gemfibrozil exhibited significant antidepressant actions in the FST and TST without affecting the locomotor activity of mice. Chronic gemfibrozil administration fully reversed CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in the FST, TST and sucrose preference test. Gemfibrozil treatment also restored CUMS-induced inhibition of the hippocampal BDNF signaling pathway. Blocking PPAR-α and BDNF but not the serotonergic system abolished the antidepressant effects of gemfibrozil on mice. Gemfibrozil produced antidepressant effects in mice by promoting the hippocampal BDNF system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fei Ni
- 1 Nantong Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, China
| | - Hao Wang
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, China
| | - Qiu-Yan Gu
- 1 Nantong Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, China
| | - Fei-Ying Wang
- 1 Nantong Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, China
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, China
| | - Jin-Liang Wang
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, China
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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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Abstract
This summarizing and descriptive review article is an update on previously published reviews. It covers English-written and PubMed-listed review articles and original studies published between May 2016 and November 2017 on the toxicokinetics of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Compounds covered include stimulants and entactogens, synthetic cannabinoids, tryptamines, phenethylamine and phencyclidine-like drugs, benzodiazepines, and opioids. First, an overview and discussion is provided on selected review articles followed by an overview and discussion on selected original studies. Both sections are then concluded by an opinion on these latest developments. The present review shows that the NPS market is still highly dynamic and that studies regarding their toxicokinetics are necessary to understand risks associated with their consumption. Data collection and studies are encouraged to allow for detection of NPS in biological matrices in cases of acute intoxications or chronic consumption. Although some data are available, scientific papers dealing with the mechanistic reasons behind acute and chronic toxicity are still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
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30
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Gannon BM, Galindo KI, Mesmin MP, Sulima A, Rice KC, Collins GT. Relative reinforcing effects of second-generation synthetic cathinones: Acquisition of self-administration and fixed ratio dose-response curves in rats. Neuropharmacology 2017; 134:28-35. [PMID: 28811192 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
"Bath salts" preparations contain synthetic cathinones which interact with monoamine transporters and function as either monoamine uptake inhibitors or releasers. 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone), and 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) were three of the most common cathinones (i.e., "first-generation" cathinones); however, after the US Drug Enforcement Administration placed them under Schedule I regulations, they were replaced with structurally related cathinones that were not subject to regulations (i.e., "second-generation" cathinones). Although the reinforcing effects of some second-generation cathinones have been described (e.g., α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone [α-PVP]), little is known about how structural modifications, particularly those involving the methylenedioxy moiety and α-alkyl side chain, impact the abuse liability of other second-generation cathinones (e.g., α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone [α-PPP], 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone [MDPBP], and 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone [MDPPP]). The present study used male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 12 per drug) to directly compare: (1) the acquisition of responding for α-PVP (0.032 mg/kg/inf), α-PPP (0.32 mg/kg/inf), MDPBP (0.1 mg/kg/inf), and MDPPP (0.32 mg/kg/inf) under a fixed ratio (FR) 1 schedule of reinforcement; and (2) full dose-response curves for each drug to maintain responding under an FR5 schedule of reinforcement. The average number of days (∼4 days) and percentage (100%) of rats that acquired self-administration was similar for each drug. The observed rank order potency to maintain responding under an FR5 schedule of reinforcement (α-PVP ≈ MDPBP>α-PPP > MDPPP) is consistent with their potencies to inhibit dopamine uptake. These are the first studies to report on the reinforcing effects of the unregulated second-generation cathinones MDPBP, MDPPP, and α-PPP and indicate all three compounds are readily self-administered, suggesting each possesses high potential for abuse. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda M Gannon
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Kayla I Galindo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Melson P Mesmin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Gregory T Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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