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Alsufyani HA. The stimulant cathine from Khat causes tachycardia indirectly in the rat. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 135:345-352. [PMID: 39034439 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.14057] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Leaves of the Khat plant are widely consumed in the Horn of Africa, Yemen and the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. I have investigated the mode of cardiovascular and autonomic actions of the stimulant cathine from Khat in terms of direct or indirect adrenergic actions in anaesthetised male and female rats, and in isolated tissues. Male and female rats were anaesthetised with pentobarbitone and changes in diastolic blood pressure and cardioaccelerator responses were examined in vehicle-treated or chemically sympathectomised rats. Cathine produced marked tachycardia and smaller blood pressure responses in vehicle-treated animals, with significant rises in heart rate occurring at cathine (0.1 mg/kg). In sympathectomised rats, cardiac actions were greatly attenuated in both male and female animals, with no differences between male and female rats. Although pressor responses to cathine were relatively small, sympathectomy significantly reduced these responses in female, but not male, rats. In rat aorta and spleen, cathine produced almost no direct contractions. It is concluded that cathine acts predominantly indirectly, presumably by the release of noradrenaline, in both male and female rats to produce cardiovascular actions. This may have implications for adverse cardiovascular actions of consumption of the plant Khat, particularly with dried Khat, in which actions of cathine may predominate over those of cathinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel A Alsufyani
- Department of Clinical Physiology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
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2
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Neumann J, Dhein S, Kirchhefer U, Hofmann B, Gergs U. Effects of congeners of amphetamine on the human heart. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:4615-4642. [PMID: 38340182 PMCID: PMC11166837 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-02983-2] [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] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Central stimulatory and hallucinogenic drugs of abuse like amphetamine and most congeners of amphetamine can have cardiac harmful effects. These cardiac side effects can lead to morbidities and death. In this paper, we review current knowledge on the direct and indirect effects of these amphetamine congeners on the mammalian heart-more specifically, the isolated human heart muscle preparation. In detail, we address the question of whether and how these drugs affect cardiac contractility and their mechanisms of action. Based on this information, further research areas are defined, and further research efforts are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Neumann
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 4, 06112, D-06097, Halle, Germany.
| | - Stefan Dhein
- Rudolf-Boehm Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16-18, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Britt Hofmann
- Cardiac Surgery, Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, D-06097, Halle, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gergs
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 4, 06112, D-06097, Halle, Germany
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3
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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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Neumann J, Hußler W, Hofmann B, Gergs U. Contractile Effects of Amphetamine, Pseudoephedrine, Nor-pseudoephedrine (Cathine), and Cathinone on Atrial Preparations of Mice and Humans. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2024; 83:243-250. [PMID: 38181215 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Amphetamine derivatives are used worldwide legally or illegally and intoxications may be accompanied by cardiac arrhythmias. Here, we tested contractile effects of cumulative applied (±)-amphetamine, pseudoephedrine, nor-pseudoephedrine (cathine), and cathinone in electrically stimulated (1 Hz) human right atrial preparations (HAP) and mouse left atrial preparations and in spontaneously beating mouse right atrial preparations. In mouse atrial preparations, amphetamine increased force of contraction and beating rate in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, starting at 1 µM in left atrial preparations to 157.1% ± 3.0% and right atrial preparations to 146.6% ± 9.8% at 10 µM, respectively [mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM); n = 5; P < 0.05]. Pseudoephedrine, cathine, or cathinone alone were ineffective in mouse atrial preparations but after pre-incubation with the phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor rolipram (0.1 µM), a positive inotropic effect was noted (mean ± SEM: pseudoephedrine: 112.3% ± 9.8%; cathine: 109.0% ± 4.3%; cathinone: 138.3% ± 21.2%). The effects of all drugs were greatly attenuated by 10 µM cocaine or 10 µM propranolol treatments. However, In HAP, not only amphetamine (to a mean ± SEM of 208% ± 32%) but also pseudoephedrine (to a mean ± SEM of 287% ± 60%), cathine (to a mean ± SEM of 234% ± 52%), and cathinone (to a mean ± SEM of 217% ± 65%) increased force of contraction without the need of phosphodiesterase inhibition. The contractile effects in HAP were attenuated by 10 µM cocaine and antagonized by 10 µM propranolol. We conclude that amphetamine, pseudoephedrine, cathine, and cathinone act probably via release of noradrenaline from cardiac stores as indirect sympathomimetic agents in mouse and more pronounced in human atrial preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Neumann
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany; and
| | - Wilhelm Hußler
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany; and
| | - Britt Hofmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Mid-German Heart Center, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gergs
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany; and
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Natural Sympathomimetic Drugs: From Pharmacology to Toxicology. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121793. [PMID: 36551221 PMCID: PMC9775352 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121793] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sympathomimetic agents are a group of chemical compounds that are able to activate the sympathetic nervous system either directly via adrenergic receptors or indirectly by increasing endogenous catecholamine levels or mimicking their intracellular signaling pathways. Compounds from this group, both used therapeutically or abused, comprise endogenous catecholamines (such as adrenaline and noradrenaline), synthetic amines (e.g., isoproterenol and dobutamine), trace amines (e.g., tyramine, tryptamine, histamine and octopamine), illicit drugs (e.g., ephedrine, cathinone, and cocaine), or even caffeine and synephrine. In addition to the effects triggered by stimulation of the sympathetic system, the discovery of trace amine associated receptors (TAARs) in humans brought new insights about their sympathomimetic pharmacology and toxicology. Although synthetic sympathomimetic agents are mostly seen as toxic, natural sympathomimetic agents are considered more complacently in the terms of safety in the vision of the lay public. Here, we aim to discuss the pharmacological and mainly toxicological aspects related to sympathomimetic natural agents, in particular of trace amines, compounds derived from plants like ephedra and khat, and finally cocaine. The main purpose of this review is to give a scientific and updated view of those agents and serve as a reminder on the safety issues of natural sympathomimetic agents most used in the community.
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Fonseca DA, Ribeiro DM, Tapadas M, Cotrim MD. Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Cardiovascular effects and mechanisms. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 903:174156. [PMID: 33971177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA (known as "ecstasy") is a recreational drug of abuse, popular worldwide for its distinctive psychotropic effects. Currently, the therapeutic potential of MDMA in psychotherapy has attracted a lot of interest from the scientific community, despite the multitude of effects that this drug of abuse elicits on the human body. While neuronal effects have been the most studied, cardiovascular effects have also been described, as increased blood pressure and heart rate are the most recognizable. However, other effects have also been described at the cardiac (impaired cardiac contractile function, arrhythmias, myocardial necrosis and valvular heart disease) and vascular (vasoconstriction, disruption of vascular integrity and altered haemostasis) levels. Several mechanisms have been proposed, from the interaction with monoamine transporters and receptors to the promotion of oxidative stress or the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This review provides an overview of the cardiovascular implications of MDMA intake and underlying mechanisms, relevant when considering its consumption as drug of abuse but also when considering its therapeutic potential in psychiatry. Moreover, the risk/benefit ratio of the therapeutic use of MDMA remains to be fully elucidated from a cardiovascular standpoint, particularly in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo A Fonseca
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Daniel M Ribeiro
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Tapadas
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Dulce Cotrim
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
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7
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Schindler CW, Thorndike EB, Partilla JS, Rice KC, Baumann MH. Amphetamine-like Neurochemical and Cardiovascular Effects of α-Ethylphenethylamine Analogs Found in Dietary Supplements. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 376:118-126. [PMID: 33082158 PMCID: PMC7788351 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary supplements often contain additives not listed on the label, including α-ethyl homologs of amphetamine such as N,α-diethylphenethylamine (DEPEA). Here, we examined the neurochemical and cardiovascular effects of α-ethylphenethylamine (AEPEA), N-methyl-α-ethylphenethylamine (MEPEA), and DEPEA as compared with the effects of amphetamine. All drugs were tested in vitro using uptake inhibition and release assays for monoamine transporters. As expected, amphetamine acted as a potent and efficacious releasing agent at dopamine transporters (DAT) and norepinephrine transporters (NET) in vitro. AEPEA and MEPEA were also releasers at catecholamine transporters, with greater potency at NET than DAT. DEPEA displayed fully efficacious release at NET but weak partial release at DAT (i.e., 40% of maximal effect). In freely moving, conscious male rats fitted with biotelemetry transmitters for physiologic monitoring, amphetamine (0.1–3.0 mg/kg, s.c.) produced robust dose-related increases in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and motor activity. AEPEA (1–10 mg/kg, s.c.) produced significant increases in BP but not HR or activity, whereas DEPEA and MEPEA (1–10 mg/kg, s.c.) increased BP, HR, and activity. In general, the phenethylamine analogs were approximately 10-fold less potent than amphetamine. Our results show that α-ethylphenethylamine analogs are biologically active. Although less potent than amphetamine, they produce cardiovascular effects that could pose risks to humans. Given that MEPEA and DEPEA increased locomotor activity, these substances may also have significant abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W Schindler
- Designer Drug Research Unit (C.W.S., J.S.P., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (C.W.S., E.B.T.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Eric B Thorndike
- Designer Drug Research Unit (C.W.S., J.S.P., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (C.W.S., E.B.T.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit (C.W.S., J.S.P., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (C.W.S., E.B.T.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Designer Drug Research Unit (C.W.S., J.S.P., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (C.W.S., E.B.T.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (C.W.S., J.S.P., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (C.W.S., E.B.T.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
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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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Costa G, De Luca MA, Piras G, Marongiu J, Fattore L, Simola N. Neuronal and peripheral damages induced by synthetic psychoactive substances: an update of recent findings from human and animal studies. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:802-816. [PMID: 31719240 PMCID: PMC6990793 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.268895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that synthetic psychoactive substances, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit toxic effects of varying severity at the peripheral and central levels. Nowadays, toxicity induced by synthetic psychoactive substances poses a serious harm for health, since recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young and adult people. The present review summarizes recent findings on the peripheral and central toxicity elicited by “old” and “new” synthetic psychoactive substances in humans and experimental animals, focusing on amphetamine derivatives, hallucinogen and dissociative drugs and synthetic cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gessica Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jacopo Marongiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Alsufyani HA, Docherty JR. Methylhexaneamine causes tachycardia and pressor responses indirectly by releasing noradrenaline in the rat. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 843:121-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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11
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Docherty JR, Alsufyani HA. Direct and Indirect Effects of Ephedrine on the Cardiovascular System. FASEB J 2018. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.697.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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12
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Alsufyani HA, Docherty JR. Direct and indirect effects of ephedrine on heart rate and blood pressure in vehicle-treated and sympathectomised male rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 825:34-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Alsufyani HA, Docherty JR. Gender differences in the effects of cathinone and the interaction with caffeine on temperature and locomotor activity in the rat. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 809:203-208. [PMID: 28529142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated gender differences in the effects of cathinone and the interaction with caffeine on temperature and movement activity in Wistar rats. Telemetry probes were implanted in rats under isoflurane anaesthesia, and 7 days later, temperature and activity were recorded in conscious unrestrained animals. Caffeine (10mg/lkg) or vehicle, and 30min later, cathinone (5mg/kg) or vehicle, were injected subcutaneously. Cathinone produced significant and marked increases in activity, and the response to cathinone was significantly greater in female animals. The combination of caffeine and cathinone causes a short lived potentiation followed by a prolonged inhibition of the activity response to cathinone. Cathinone alone had minor effects on temperature. However, the combination of caffeine and cathinone produced a significant acute rise in temperature only in male rats in the 90min after cathinone injection. Hence, cathinone caused greater increases in activity in female than in male rats. Secondly, caffeine produced an initial potentiation followed by a prolonged inhibition of the activity response to cathinone. Thirdly, cathinone in combination with caffeine significantly raised temperature acutely in male but not female rats. These differences highlight the need to carry out gender studies of the actions of stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel A Alsufyani
- Department of Physiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Department of Physiology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - James R Docherty
- Department of Physiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levent Cerit
- Near East University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hamza Duygu
- Near East University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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15
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Schindler CW, Thorndike EB, Suzuki M, Rice KC, Baumann MH. Pharmacological mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular effects of the "bath salt" constituent 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:3492-3501. [PMID: 27714779 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a synthetic cathinone with stimulatory cardiovascular effects that can lead to serious medical complications. Here, we examined the pharmacological mechanisms underlying these cardiovascular actions of MDPV in conscious rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male Sprague-Dawley rats had telemetry transmitters surgically implanted for the measurement of BP and heart rate (HR). On test days, rats were placed individually in standard isolation cubicles. Following drug treatment, cardiovascular parameters were monitored for 3 h sessions. KEY RESULTS Racemic MDPV (0.3-3.0 mg·kg-1 ) increased BP and HR in a dose-dependent manner. The S(+) enantiomer (0.3-3.0 mg·kg-1 ) of MDPV produced similar effects, while the R(-) enantiomer (0.3-3.0 mg·kg-1 ) had no effects. Neither of the hydroxylated phase I metabolites of MDPV altered cardiovascular parameters significantly from baseline. Pretreatment with the ganglionic blocker chlorisondamine (1 and 3 mg·kg-1 ) antagonized the increases in BP and HR produced by 1 mg·kg-1 MDPV. The α1 -adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.3 mg·kg-1 ) attenuated the increase in BP following MDPV, while the β-adrenoceptor antagonists propranolol (1 mg·kg-1 ) and atenolol (1 and 3 mg·kg-1 ) attenuated the HR increases. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The S(+) enantiomer appeared to mediate the cardiovascular effects of MDPV, while the metabolites of MDPV did not alter BP or HR significantly; MDPV increased BP and HR through activation of central sympathetic outflow. Mixed-action α/β-adrenoceptor antagonists may be useful as treatments in counteracting the adverse cardiovascular effects of MDPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W Schindler
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD
| | - Eric B Thorndike
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD
| | - Masaki Suzuki
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD
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16
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Alsufyani HA, Docherty JR. Investigation of gender differences in the cardiovascular actions of direct and indirect sympathomimetic stimulants including cathinone in the anaesthetized rat. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 36:14-9. [DOI: 10.1111/aap.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. A. Alsufyani
- Department of Physiology; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Dublin Ireland
- Department of Physiology; King Abdulaziz University; Jeddah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - J. R. Docherty
- Department of Physiology; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Dublin Ireland
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