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Dragan AM, Feier BG, Tertiș M, Bodoki E, Truta F, Ștefan MG, Kiss B, Van Durme F, De Wael K, Oprean R, Cristea C. Forensic Analysis of Synthetic Cathinones on Nanomaterials-Based Platforms: Chemometric-Assisted Voltametric and UPLC-MS/MS Investigation. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2393. [PMID: 37686901 PMCID: PMC10489959 DOI: 10.3390/nano13172393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are a group of new psychoactive substances often referred to as "legal highs" or "bath salts", being characterized by a dynamic change, new compounds continuously emerging on the market. This creates a lack of fast screening tests, making SCs a constant concern for law enforcement agencies. Herein, we present a fast and simple method for the detection of four SCs (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, N-ethylhexedrone, 4-chloroethcathinone, and 3-chloromethcathinone) based on their electrochemical profiles in a decentralized manner. In this regard, the voltametric characterization of the SCs was performed by cyclic and square wave voltammetry. The elucidation of the SCs redox pathways was successfully achieved using liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry. For the rational identification of the ideal experimental conditions, chemometric data processing was employed, considering two critical qualitative and quantitative variables: the type of the electrochemical platform and the pH of the electrolyte. The analytical figures of merit were determined on standard working solutions using the optimized method, which exhibited wide linear ranges and LODs suitable for confiscated sample screening. Finally, the performance of the method was evaluated on real confiscated samples, the resulting validation parameters being similar to those obtained with another portable device (i.e., Raman spectrometer).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Dragan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- A-Sense Lab, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2010 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bogdan George Feier
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Tertiș
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ede Bodoki
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Florina Truta
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria-Georgia Ștefan
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Béla Kiss
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Filip Van Durme
- Drugs and Toxicology Department, National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC), Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Wael
- A-Sense Lab, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2010 Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2010 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Radu Oprean
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cecilia Cristea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Trinklein TJ, Thapa M, Lanphere LA, Frost JA, Koresch SM, Aldstadt JH. Sequential injection analysis coupled to on-line benchtop proton NMR: Method development and application to the determination of synthetic cathinones in seized drug samples. Talanta 2021; 231:122355. [PMID: 33965022 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122355] [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: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are a class of new psychoactive substances (NPS), an emerging group of analogues to traditional illicit drugs which are functionalized to circumvent legal regulations. The analytical investigation of NPS by traditional methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), is challenging because newly emerging NPS may not yet appear in spectral libraries and because of the inability to determine certain positional isomers. Low-field or "benchtop" proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is an alternative that provides significant qualitative information but is particularly susceptible to matrix interferences. To this end, the development of a Sequential Injection Analysis (SIA) method which uses solid-phase extraction (SPE) to remove interfering matrix components prior to NMR determination is described. Factors including the type of SPE sorbent, column dimensions, and sample loading and elution conditions were examined. Several cathinone simulants (primary, secondary, and tertiary amines), "DEA exempt" cathinone standards, as well as authentic case samples were studied. The selectivity of the SIA-NMR-UV method was investigated against a broad range of "cutting agents" and was found to successfully remove all compounds tested with the exception of other basic drugs (e.g., acetaminophen). The limit of detection and reproducibility of the method were optimized using a Plackett-Burman screening design and Sequential Simplex optimization. Using a UV detector for dual (in series) quantification, the multivariate-optimized method produced a method limit of detection (3σ) for the cathinone simulant Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) of 23 μmol L-1, and a calibration model, in terms of UV peak area, of Area = 0.19 [PPA, mmol L-1] - 0.04. The optimized method generated ~2 mL of waste per day, and had a footprint of ~1 m2 Finally, the multivariate-optimized SIA-NMR-UV method was successfully applied to several more case samples and the cathinones were definitively identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Trinklein
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Malati Thapa
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Lexie A Lanphere
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - John A Frost
- Molecular Spectroscopy Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Joseph H Aldstadt
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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Braham MY, Franchi A, Cartiser N, Bévalot F, Bottinelli C, Fabrizi H, Fanton L. Fatal 4-MEC Intoxication: Case Report and Review of Literature. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2021; 42:57-61. [PMID: 32773434 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Synthetic cathinones are one of the major pharmacological families of new psychoactive substances and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) has emerged in recent years as a recreational psychostimulant. We report a case of a 35-year-old man found dead and naked at home by his friend. Although no anatomic cause of death was observed at autopsy, toxicological analysis identified 4-MEC and hydroxyzine at therapeutic level (160 ng/mL). 4-Methylethcathinone was quantified in autopsy samples by a validated method consisting in liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry: peripheral blood, 14.6 μg/mL; cardiac blood, 43.4 μg/mL; urine, 619 μg/mL; vitreous humor, right 2.9 μg/mL and left 4.4 μg/mL; bile, 43.5 μg/mL; and gastric content, 28.2 μg/mL. The cause of death was 4-MEC intoxication and the manner of death could be either accidental or suicidal. The literature concerning 4-MEC was reviewed, focusing on distribution in classical postmortem matrices and 4-MEC metabolism and postmortem redistribution and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Yassine Braham
- From the Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine
| | | | - Nathalie Cartiser
- From the Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine
| | | | | | - Hervé Fabrizi
- From the Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine
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Couto RAS, Coelho C, Mounssef B, Morais SFDA, Lima CD, dos Santos WTP, Carvalho F, Rodrigues CMP, Braga AAC, Gonçalves LM, Quinaz MB. 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) Sensing Based on Electropolymerized Molecularly Imprinted Polymers on Silver Nanoparticles and Carboxylated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:353. [PMID: 33535439 PMCID: PMC7912732 DOI: 10.3390/nano11020353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a harmful and controlled synthetic cathinone used as a psychostimulant drug and as sport-enhancing substance. A sensor was developed for the direct analysis of MDPV by transducing its oxidation signal by means of an electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymer (e-MIP) built in-situ on the screen-printed carbon electrode's (SPCE) surface previously covered with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Benzene-1,2-diamine was used as the functional monomer while the analyte was used as the template monomer. Each step of the sensor's development was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a solution containing ferricyanide, however no redox probe was required for the actual MDPV measurements. The interaction between the poly(o-phenylenediamine) imprinted polymer and MDPV was studied by density-functional theory (DFT) methods. The SPCE-MWCNT-AgNP-MIP sensor responded adequately to the variation of MDPV concentration. It was shown that AgNPs enhanced the electrochemical signal by around a 3-fold factor. Making use of square-wave voltammetry (SWV) the developed sensor provided a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.8 μmol L-1. The analytical performance of the proposed sensor paves the way to the development of a portable device for MDPV on-site sensing to be applied in forensic and doping analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A. S. Couto
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-213 Porto, Portugal; (R.A.S.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Constantino Coelho
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-213 Porto, Portugal; (R.A.S.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Bassim Mounssef
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil; (B.M.J.); (S.F.d.A.M.); (A.A.C.B.)
| | - Sara F. de A. Morais
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil; (B.M.J.); (S.F.d.A.M.); (A.A.C.B.)
| | - Camila D. Lima
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG 39100-000, Brazil;
| | - Wallans T. P. dos Santos
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG 39100-000, Brazil;
| | - Félix Carvalho
- REQUIMTE, UCIBIO, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-213 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Cecília M. P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ataualpa A. C. Braga
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil; (B.M.J.); (S.F.d.A.M.); (A.A.C.B.)
| | - Luís Moreira Gonçalves
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil; (B.M.J.); (S.F.d.A.M.); (A.A.C.B.)
| | - M. Beatriz Quinaz
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-213 Porto, Portugal; (R.A.S.C.); (C.C.)
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Electrochemical detection of the synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone using carbon screen-printed electrodes: A fast, simple and sensitive screening method for forensic samples. Electrochim Acta 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.136728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Mégarbane B, Gamblin C, Roussel O, Bouaziz-Amar E, Chevillard L, Callebert J, Chen H, Morineau G, Laplanche JL, Etheve-Quelquejeu M, Liechti ME, Benturquia N. The neurobehavioral effects of the designer drug naphyrone - an experimental investigation with pharmacokinetics and concentration/effect relationship in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1943-1957. [PMID: 32399634 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The recreational use of naphyrone, a potent synthetic cathinone with a pyrovalerone structure, has raised questions about possible deleterious neurobehavioral consequences. OBJECTIVE To investigate naphyrone-induced neurobehavioral effects and alterations in brain monoamines using two patterns of abuse, i.e., single and repeated (binge) use. METHODS We studied naphyrone dose/induced locomotor activity relationship at 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg in mice. We investigated the effects of single (30 mg/kg; acute injection) versus repeated (30 mg/kg ×3/day for 3 days; binge injection) intraperitoneal naphyrone administration on locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, spatial recognition memory, anhedonia, behavioral despair, and social interaction. We measured post-mortem prefrontal cortex levels of monoamines and modeled naphyrone pharmacokinetics and concentration/locomotor effect relationship. RESULTS Both naphyrone administration patterns induced time-dependent increases in locomotor activity (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and social interaction (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) but did not alter spatial recognition memory or anhedonia. Acute naphyrone injection induced anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.01) and reduced resignation (p < 0.01) whereas binge administration induced non-anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.05) and did not alter behavioral despair. Both patterns increased the prefrontal cortex dopamine (p < 0.0001) and norepinephrine (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) but not serotonin content. Naphyrone pharmacokinetics followed a two-compartment model with an overall elimination half-life of 0.3 h. The naphyrone concentration/locomotor effect relationship was described by an additive Emax model with an EC50 of 672 μg/L. CONCLUSIONS Single naphyrone administration increases locomotor activity according to a direct concentration/effect relationship. The neurobehavioral effects after binge differs from those after single administration and are not explained by drug accumulation given the relatively fast elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mégarbane
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France.,Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Olivier Roussel
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France.,Toxicology Department, Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale, Rosny sous-Bois, France
| | | | | | | | - Huixiong Chen
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Mélanie Etheve-Quelquejeu
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Benturquia
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France. .,Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris University, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006, Paris, France.
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Leong HS, Philp M, Simone M, Witting PK, Fu S. Synthetic Cathinones Induce Cell Death in Dopaminergic SH-SY5Y Cells via Stimulating Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041370. [PMID: 32085614 PMCID: PMC7073199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing reports of neurological and psychiatric complications due to psychostimulant synthetic cathinones (SCs) have recently raised public concern. However, the precise mechanism of SC toxicity is unclear. This paucity of understanding highlights the need to investigate the in-vitro toxicity and mechanistic pathways of three SCs: butylone, pentylone, and 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Human neuronal cells of SH-SY5Y were cultured in supplemented DMEM/F12 media and differentiated to a neuronal phenotype using retinoic acid (10 μM) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (81 nM). Trypan blue and lactate dehydrogenase assays were utilized to assess the neurotoxicity potential and potency of these three SCs. To investigate the underlying neurotoxicity mechanisms, measurements included markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and intracellular calcium (Ca2+), and cell death pathways were evaluated at two doses (EC15 and EC40), for each drug tested. Following 24 h of treatment, all three SCs exhibited a dose-dependent neurotoxicity, characterized by a significant (p < 0.0001 vs. control) production of reactive oxygen species, decreased mitochondrial bioenergetics, and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. The activation of caspases 3 and 7 implicated the orchestration of mitochondrial-mediated neurotoxicity mechanisms for these SCs. Identifying novel therapeutic agents to enhance an altered mitochondrial function may help in the treatment of acute-neurological complications arising from the illicit use of these SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey Sze Leong
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (H.S.L.); (M.P.)
- Discipline of Pathology, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Morgan Philp
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (H.S.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Martin Simone
- Discipline of Pathology, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Paul Kenneth Witting
- Discipline of Pathology, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Correspondence: (P.K.W.); (S.F.); Tel.: +61-2-9114-0524 (P.K.W.); +61-2-9514-8207 (S.F.)
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (H.S.L.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (P.K.W.); (S.F.); Tel.: +61-2-9114-0524 (P.K.W.); +61-2-9514-8207 (S.F.)
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a bi-specific vaccine against α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in rats. Vaccine 2019; 38:336-344. [PMID: 31629568 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
α-PVP (α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone) and MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone) are potent abused stimulants that are members of the synthetic cathinone class of drugs. Although these drugs are taken with recreational intent, high doses can lead to unintended adverse effects including agitation, cardiovascular effects, sympathomimetic syndromes, hallucinations, and psychoses. One possible treatment is the use of a vaccine to block or attenuate adverse medical effects. These studies report the preparation of a vaccine that generates high affinity antibodies specific for both drugs and the pharmacological testing of this vaccine in male rats. Alkylation of a hydroxy-α-PVP analog with an appropriate thiol-bearing linker afforded the hapten. When hapten-conjugated carrier protein was mixed with adjuvant, the resulting vaccine stimulated production of antibodies in male Sprague Dawley rats that were found to significantly reduce α-PVP- and MDPV-induced hyperlocomotion as well as to significantly reduce the concentrations of MDPV drugs in critical organs. The novel vaccine produced high affinity antibodies against MDPV, (R)-MDPV, (S)-MDPV, and α-PVP. Cross-reactivity testing against nine structurally similar cathinones showed very limited binding, and no binding to off-target endogenous and exogenous compounds. Antibodies generated by this bi-specific vaccine also significantly shortened the duration of locomotor activity induced by both drugs up to a dose of 5.6 mg/kg in male rats.
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Berrier KL, Reaser BC, Pinkerton DK, Synovec RE. Examination of the two-dimensional mass channel cluster plot method for gas chromatography – mass spectrometry in the context of the statistical model of overlap. J Chromatogr A 2019; 1601:319-326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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The synthetic cathinones, butylone and pentylone, are stimulants that act as dopamine transporter blockers but 5-HT transporter substrates. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:953-962. [PMID: 30345459 PMCID: PMC6476708 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic cathinones continue to emerge in recreational drug markets worldwide. 1-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)butan-1-one (butylone) and 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)pentan-1-one (pentylone) are derivatives of the cathinone compound, 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one (methylone), that are being detected in drug products and human casework. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to examine the neuropharmacology of butylone and pentylone using in vitro and in vivo methods. METHODS In vitro uptake and release assays were carried out in rat brain synaptosomes and in cells expressing human dopamine transporters (DAT) and 5-HT transporters (SERT). In vivo microdialysis was performed in the nucleus accumbens of conscious rats to assess drug-induced changes in neurochemistry. RESULTS Butylone and pentylone were efficacious uptake blockers at DAT and SERT, though pentylone was more DAT-selective. Both drugs acted as transporter substrates that evoked release of [3H]5-HT at SERT, while neither evoked release at DAT. Consistent with the release data, butylone and pentylone induced substrate-associated inward currents at SERT but not DAT. Administration of butylone or pentylone to rats (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.v.) increased extracellular monoamines and motor activity, but pentylone had weaker effects on 5-HT and stronger effects on motor stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that increasing the α-carbon chain length of methylone creates "hybrid" transporter compounds which act as DAT blockers but SERT substrates. Nevertheless, butylone and pentylone elevate extracellular dopamine and stimulate motor activity, suggesting both drugs possess significant risk for abuse.
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Cyclodextrin-induced acidity modification of substituted cathinones studied by capillary electrophoresis supported by density functional theory calculations. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1580:142-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2018.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Tremeau-Cayel L, Carnes S, Schanfield MS, Lurie IS. A comparison of single quadrupole mass detection and diode array ultraviolet detection interfaced to ultra-high performance supercritical chromatography for the quantitative analysis of synthetic cathinones. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1091:96-100. [PMID: 29860214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A comparison of single quadruple mass spectrometry and diode array-ultraviolet (PDA-UV) detection interfaced to ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography was performed for the quantitative analysis of synthetic cathinones. Synthetic cathinones, also known as "bath salts", are derived from cathinone, a component of the khat plant. For 15 controlled solutes linearity, repeatability, and limits of detection were determined using both UV and MS detection. Quantitation studies were performed using the above detectors for 19 mixtures of up to 4 of the above compounds with an adulterant to simulate seized samples. MS detection provided approximately an order of magnitude greater linearity range and allowed for two to three orders of magnitude lower limits of detection than UV detection. Both detection techniques exhibited similar results of analysis and comparable repeatability. The latter detection mode which provided significantly high linearity correlation coefficients (0.9994 ≤ R2 ≤ 1.0000) would be preferred for quantitative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Carnes
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, 4400 Broad Rover Rd., Columbia, SC 29212, USA
| | - Moses S Schanfield
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Ira S Lurie
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Levitas MP, Andrews E, Lurie I, Marginean I. Discrimination of synthetic cathinones by GC–MS and GC–MS/MS using cold electron ionization. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 288:107-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Detection of pyrovalerone as a possible synthetic by-product of 4′-methyl-α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone and 4-methyl-α-ethylaminopentiophenone in illicit drug products. Forensic Toxicol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0407-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Pesek JJ, Matyska MT, Watanabe S, Makhanov M, Lopez A, Alejo K, Orozco D, Doan L. Evaluation of silica hydride materials for the LC–MS analysis of cathinones and benzylpiperazines. Forensic Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Woźniakiewicz M, Nowak PM, Gołąb M, Adamowicz P, Kała M, Kościelniak P. Acidity of substituted cathinones studied by capillary electrophoresis using the standard and fast alternative approaches. Talanta 2018; 180:193-198. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Couto RAS, Gonçalves LM, Carvalho F, Rodrigues JA, Rodrigues CMP, Quinaz MB. The Analytical Challenge in the Determination of Cathinones, Key-Players in the Worldwide Phenomenon of Novel Psychoactive Substances. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2018; 48:372-390. [DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2018.1439724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A. S. Couto
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Moreira Gonçalves
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José A. Rodrigues
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cecília M. P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M. Beatriz Quinaz
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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18
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Lehmann S, Schulze B, Thomas A, Kamphausen T, Thevis M, Rothschild MA, Mercer-Chalmers-Bender K. Organ distribution of 4-MEC, MDPV, methoxetamine and α-PVP: comparison of QuEChERS and SPE. Forensic Toxicol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0408-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Oh JH, Hwang JY, Hong SI, Ma SX, Seo JY, Lee SY, Kim HC, Jang CG. The new designer drug buphedrone produces rewarding properties via dopamine D1 receptor activation. Addict Biol 2018; 23:69-79. [PMID: 27790823 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Substituted cathinones are synthetic analogs of the active components of natural products and are widely abused worldwide. However, the rewarding properties of these agents have not yet been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the abuse potential of buphedrone [2-(methylamino)-1-phenylbutan-1-one, α-methylamino-butyrophenone] and its effects on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system in mice using conditioned place preference (CPP) analysis, a self-administration test, a locomotor activity test, a behavioral sensitization test and Western blot analysis. Treatment with buphedrone supported CPP and self-administration, enhanced locomotor activity and produced behavioral sensitization when mice were challenged with methamphetamine. SCH23390, a D1 dopamine antagonist, prevented buphedrone-induced CPP, whereas raclopride, a D2 dopamine antagonist, had no effect. SCH23390 also blocked locomotor activity increase by buphedrone, while raclopride partially attenuated locomotor activation. Western blot analysis revealed that repeated buphedrone treatment increased D1 dopamine receptor expression in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens in mice. Collectively, these findings suggest the abuse potential of buphedrone and demonstrate the involvement of the dopaminergic system in the establishment of its rewarding properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hwan Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Ji-Young Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Sa-Ik Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Shi-Xun Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Jee-Yeon Seo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Hyoung-Chun Kim
- Neurotoxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Korea Institute of Drug Abuse; Kangwon National University; Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
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20
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Yoho JN, Geier B, Grigsby CC, Hagen JA, Chávez JL, Kelley-Loughnane N. Cross-Reactive Plasmonic Aptasensors for Controlled Substance Identification. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17091935. [PMID: 28832512 PMCID: PMC5620944 DOI: 10.3390/s17091935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we developed an assay to determine if an arbitrary white powder is a controlled substance, given the plasmonic response of aptamer-gold nanoparticle conjugates (Apt-AuNPs). Toward this end, we designed Apt-AuNPs with specific a response to common controlled substances without cross reactivity to chemicals typically used as fillers in street formulations. Plasmonic sensor variation was shown to produce unique data fingerprints for each chemical analyzed, supporting the application of multivariate statistical techniques to annotate unknown samples by chemical similarity. Importantly, the assay takes less than fifteen minutes to run, and requires only a few micrograms of the material, making the proposed assay easily deployable in field operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua N Yoho
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH 45433, USA.
- UES, Inc., 4401 Dayton-Xenia Road, Dayton, OH 45432, USA.
| | - Brian Geier
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH 45433, USA.
- UES, Inc., 4401 Dayton-Xenia Road, Dayton, OH 45432, USA.
| | - Claude C Grigsby
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH 45433, USA.
| | - Joshua A Hagen
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH 45433, USA.
| | - Jorge L Chávez
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH 45433, USA.
- UES, Inc., 4401 Dayton-Xenia Road, Dayton, OH 45432, USA.
| | - Nancy Kelley-Loughnane
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH 45433, USA.
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21
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Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Stair JL, Kirton SB, Zloh M, Schifano F. Intended and unintended use of cathinone mixtures. Hum Psychopharmacol 2017; 32. [PMID: 28657191 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cathinones are one of the most popular categories of new psychoactive substances (NPS) consumed. Cathinones have different pharmacological activities and receptor selectivity for monoamine transporters based on their chemical structures. They are incorporated into NPS mixtures and used with other NPS or 'traditional' drugs. Cathinone use represents significant health risks to individuals and is a public health burden. METHODS Evidence of poly-NPS use with cathinones, seizure information, and literature analyses results on NPS mixtures was systematically gathered from online database sources, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Bluelight, and Drugs-Forum. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Results highlight the prevalence of NPS with low purity, incorporation of cathinones into NPS mixtures since 2008, and multiple members of the cathinone family being present in individual UK-seized samples. Cathinones were identified as adulterants in NPS marketed as being pure NPS, drugs of abuse, branded products, herbal blends, and products labelled "not for human consumption." Toxicity resulting from cathinone mixtures is unpredictable because key attributes remain largely unknown. Symptoms of intoxication include neuro-psychological, psychiatric, and metabolic symptoms. Proposed treatment includes holistic approaches involving psychosocial, psychiatric and pharmacological interventions. CONCLUSION Raising awareness of NPS, education, and training of health care professionals are paramount in reducing harms related to cathinone use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Guirguis
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Psychopharmaology, Drug Misuse, & Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - John Martin Corkery
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Psychopharmaology, Drug Misuse, & Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Jacqueline Leslie Stair
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Psychopharmaology, Drug Misuse, & Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Stewart Brian Kirton
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Psychopharmaology, Drug Misuse, & Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Mire Zloh
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Psychopharmaology, Drug Misuse, & Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Psychopharmaology, Drug Misuse, & Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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22
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Skultety L, Frycak P, Qiu C, Smuts J, Shear-Laude L, Lemr K, Mao JX, Kroll P, Schug KA, Szewczak A, Vaught C, Lurie I, Havlicek V. Resolution of isomeric new designer stimulants using gas chromatography - Vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy and theoretical computations. Anal Chim Acta 2017; 971:55-67. [PMID: 28456284 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Distinguishing isomeric representatives of "bath salts", "plant food", "spice", or "legal high" remains a challenge for analytical chemistry. In this work, we used vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy combined with gas chromatography to address this issue on a set of forty-three designer drugs. All compounds, including many isomers, returned differentiable vacuum ultraviolet/ultraviolet spectra. The pair of 3- and 4-fluoromethcathinones (m/z 181.0903), as well as the methoxetamine/meperidine/ethylphenidate (m/z 247.1572) triad, provided very distinctive vacuum ultraviolet spectral features. On the contrary, spectra of 4-methylethcathinone, 4-ethylmethcathinone, 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone triad (m/z 191.1310) displayed much higher similarities. Their resolution was possible only if pure standards were probed. A similar situation occurred with the ethylone and butylone pair (m/z 221.1052). On the other hand, majority of forty-three drugs was successfully separated by gas chromatography. The detection limits for all the drug standards were in the 2-4 ng range (on-column amount), which is sufficient for determinations of seized drugs during forensics analysis. Further, state-of-the-art time-dependent density functional theory was evaluated for computation of theoretical absorption spectra in the 125-240 nm range as a complementary tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovit Skultety
- Institute of Microbiology, v.v.i., The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petr Frycak
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science of Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Changling Qiu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Karel Lemr
- Institute of Microbiology, v.v.i., The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science of Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - James X Mao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Peter Kroll
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Kevin A Schug
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Angelica Szewczak
- Department of Forensic Science, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Cory Vaught
- Department of Forensic Science, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ira Lurie
- Department of Forensic Science, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vladimir Havlicek
- Institute of Microbiology, v.v.i., The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science of Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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23
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Identification and quantification of 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in hair by LC–MS/MS after chronic administration. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 270:39-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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24
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Halouzka V, Halouzkova B, Jirovsky D, Hemzal D, Ondra P, Siranidi E, Kontos AG, Falaras P, Hrbac J. Copper nanowire coated carbon fibers as efficient substrates for detecting designer drugs using SERS. Talanta 2016; 165:384-390. [PMID: 28153271 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.12.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Miniature Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sensors were fabricated by coating the carbon fiber microelectrodes with copper nanowires. The coating procedure, based on anodizing the copper wire in ultrapure water followed by cathodic deposition of the anode-derived material onto carbon fiber electrodes, provides a "clean" copper nanowire network. The developed miniature (10µm in diameter and 2mm in length) and nanoscopically rough SERS substrates are applicable in drug sensing, as shown by the detection and resolving of a range of seized designer drugs in trace amounts (microliter volumes of 10-10-10-12M solutions). The copper nanowire modified carbon microfiber substrates could also find further applications in biomedical and environmental sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Halouzka
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Palacky University, Faculty of Science, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czechia; Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, University Hospital Olomouc, Hnevotinska 3, 775 09 Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Barbora Halouzkova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czechia
| | - David Jirovsky
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Palacky University, Faculty of Science, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Dusan Hemzal
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37 Brno, Czechia
| | - Peter Ondra
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, University Hospital Olomouc, Hnevotinska 3, 775 09 Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Eirini Siranidi
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos," 15310 Agia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanassios G Kontos
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos," 15310 Agia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Polycarpos Falaras
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos," 15310 Agia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Jan Hrbac
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czechia
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25
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Liu C, Jia W, Li T, Hua Z, Qian Z. Identification and analytical characterization of nine synthetic cathinone derivatives N-ethylhexedrone, 4-Cl-pentedrone, 4-Cl-α-EAPP, propylone, N-ethylnorpentylone, 6-MeO-bk-MDMA, α-PiHP, 4-Cl-α-PHP, and 4-F-α-PHP. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:1162-1171. [PMID: 27863142 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories are continuously confronted by analytical challenges when dealing with the new psychoactive substances (NPS) phenomenon. In this study, the analytical characterization of nine synthetic cathinones is described: 2-(ethylamino)-1-phenylhexan-1-one (N-ethylhexedrone 1), 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)pentan-1-one (4-Cl-pentedrone 2), 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(ethylamino)pentan-1-one (4-Cl-α-EAPP 3), 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propylaminopropan-1-one (propylone 4), 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-ethylaminopentan-1-one (N-ethylnorpentylone 5), 1-(6-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-methylaminopropan-1-one (6-MeO-bk-MDMA 6), 4-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one (α-PiHP 7), 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexan-1-one (4-Cl-α-PHP 8), and 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexan-1-one (4-F-α-PHP 9). The identification was based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The mass-spectral fragmentations of these compounds following collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron ionization (EI) were studied to assist forensic laboratories in identifying these compounds or other substances with similar structure in their case work. To our knowledge, no analytical data about the compounds 1-4, 7, and 8 have appeared until now, making this the first report on these compounds. The GC-MS data of 5, 6 and 9 has been reported, but this study added the LC-MS, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and NMR data for additional characterization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jia
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhua Qian
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
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26
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Molnár B, Fodor B, Csámpai A, Hidvégi E, Molnár-Perl I. Structure-related new approach in the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of cathinone type synthetic drugs. J Chromatogr A 2016; 1477:70-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2016.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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27
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Asada A, Doi T, Tagami T, Takeda A, Sawabe Y. Isomeric discrimination of synthetic cannabinoids by GC-EI-MS: 1-adamantyl and 2-adamantyl isomers of N-adamantyl carboxamides. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:378-388. [PMID: 27770510 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
N-(1-adamantyl)-1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (APINACA) and N-(1-adamantyl)-1-pentyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (APICA) are carboxamide-type synthetic cannabinoids comprising indazole/indole-3-carboxylic acid and adamantan-1-amine moieties. However, in the case of compounds like APINACA or APICA, adamantyl positional isomers exist, wherein either adamantan-1-amine or adamantan-2-amine is present. These adamantyl positional isomers have not been reported in previous studies, and no analytical data are available. To avoid misidentification of adamantyl carboxamide-type synthetic cannabinoids, it is important to develop methods to discriminate these adamantyl positional isomers. In this study, we report the analytical characterization by gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS). For providing analytical standards, we synthesized eight carboxamide-type synthetic cannabinoids (APINACA 2-adamantyl isomer, APICA 2-adamantyl isomer, 5 F-APINACA 2-adamantyl isomer, 5 F-APICA 2-adamantyl isomer, 5Cl-APINACA, 5Cl-APINACA 2-adamantyl isomer, adamantyl-THPINACA, 2-adamantyl-THPINACA) and purchased four 1-adamantyl derivatives (APINACA, APICA, 5 F-APINACA, 5 F-APICA). Although the retention times of the isomers are similar, 1-adamantyl carboxamides can be clearly discriminated from their 2-adamantyl isomers based on their different fragmentation patterns in the EI-MS spectra. Specifically, EI-MS spectra for adamantylindazole carboxamides showed remarkable differences between the 1-adamantyl and 2-adamantyl isomers. On the other hand, EI-MS spectra for adamantylindole carboxamides were similar, but the diagnostic ions of the 2-adamantyl isomers were observed. The method described herein was applicable to all compounds tested in this study and is expected to be of use for isomeric differentiation between other untested adamantyl carboxamide-type synthetic cannabinoids. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Asada
- Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health, 1-3-69 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan
| | - Takahiro Doi
- Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health, 1-3-69 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan
| | - Takaomi Tagami
- Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health, 1-3-69 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan
| | - Akihiro Takeda
- Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health, 1-3-69 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Sawabe
- Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health, 1-3-69 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan
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28
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Qian Z, Jia W, Li T, Hua Z, Liu C. Identification of five pyrrolidinyl substituted cathinones and the collision-induced dissociation of electrospray-generated pyrrolidinyl substituted cathinones. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:778-787. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Qian
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing China
| | - Wei Jia
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing China
| | - Tao Li
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing China
| | - Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing China
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29
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Qian Z, Jia W, Li T, Liu C, Hua Z. Identification and analytical characterization of four synthetic cathinone derivatives iso-4-BMC, β-TH-naphyrone, mexedrone, and 4-MDMC. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:274-281. [PMID: 27352812 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) have gained much popularity on the global market over the last number of years. The synthetic cathinone family is one of the most prominent groups and this paper reports on the analytical properties of four synthetic cathinone derivatives: (1) 1-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(methylamino)propan-2-one (iso-4-BMC or iso-brephedrone), (2) 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pentan-1-one (β-TH-naphyrone), (3) 3-methoxy-2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one (mexedrone), and (4) 2-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one (4-MDMC). These identifications were based on liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To our knowledge, no chemical or pharmacological data about compounds 1-3 have appeared until now, making this the first report on these compounds. The Raman and GC-MS data of 4 have been reported, but this study added the LC-MS and NMR data for additional characterization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Qian
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jia
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
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Valente MJ, Araújo AM, Bastos MDL, Fernandes E, Carvalho F, Guedes de Pinho P, Carvalho M. Editor's Highlight: Characterization of Hepatotoxicity Mechanisms Triggered by Designer Cathinone Drugs (β-Keto Amphetamines). Toxicol Sci 2016; 153:89-102. [PMID: 27255387 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of cathinone designer drugs in recreational settings has been associated with severe toxic effects, including liver damage. The precise mechanisms by which cathinones induce hepatotoxicity and whether they act by common pathways remain to be elucidated. Herein, we assessed the toxicity of the cathinones methylone, pentedrone, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) in primary rat hepatocytes (PRH) and HepaRG cells, and compared with that of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). MDPV and pentedrone were significantly more toxic than MDMA, while methylone was the least cytotoxic compound. Importantly, PRH revealed to be the most sensitive experimental model and was thus used to explore the mechanisms underlying the observed toxicity. All drugs elicited the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), but more markedly for methylone, pentedrone and 4-MEC. GSH depletion was also a common effect at the highest concentration tested, whereas only MDPV and pentedrone caused a significant decrease in ATP levels. The antioxidants ascorbic acid or N-acetyl-L-cysteine partially attenuated the observed cell death. All cathinones triggered significant caspase activation and apoptosis, which was partially reversed by the caspase inhibitor Ac-LETD-CHO. In conclusion, the present data shows that (1) cathinones induce in vitro hepatotoxic effects that vary in magnitude among the different analogues, (2) oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a role in cathinones-induced hepatic injury, and (3) apoptosis appears to be an important pathway of cell death elicited by these novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Valente
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal;
| | - Ana Margarida Araújo
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Fernandes
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcia Carvalho
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; FP-ENAS, CEBIMED, Fundação Ensino e Cultura Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
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31
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González-Mariño I, Gracia-Lor E, Bagnati R, Martins CPB, Zuccato E, Castiglioni S. Screening new psychoactive substances in urban wastewater using high resolution mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:4297-309. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9521-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Smith JP, Sutcliffe OB, Banks CE. An overview of recent developments in the analytical detection of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Analyst 2016; 140:4932-48. [PMID: 26031385 DOI: 10.1039/c5an00797f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPSs), sometimes referred to as "legal highs" in more colloquial environments/the media, are a class of compounds that have been recently made available for abuse (not necessarily recently discovered) which provide similar effects to the traditional well studied illegal drugs but are not always controlled under existing local, regional or international drug legislation. Following an unprecedented increase in the number of NPSs in the last 5 years (with 101 substances discovered for the first time in 2014 alone) its, occasionally fatal, consequences have been extensively reported in the media. Such NPSs are typically marketed as 'not for human consumption' and are instead labelled and sold as plant food, bath salts as well as a whole host of other equally nondescript aliases in order to bypass legislative controls. NPSs are a new multi-disciplinary research field with the main emphasis in terms of forensic identification due to their adverse health effects, which can range from minimal to life threatening and even fatalities. In this mini-review we overview this recent emerging research area of NPSs and the analytical approaches reported to provide detection strategies as well as detailing recent reports towards providing point-of-care/in-the-field NPS ("legal high") sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie P Smith
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
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Heikman P, Sundström M, Pelander A, Ojanperä I. New psychoactive substances as part of polydrug abuse within opioid maintenance treatment revealed by comprehensive high-resolution mass spectrometric urine drug screening. Hum Psychopharmacol 2016; 31:44-52. [PMID: 26763789 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE At present, polydrug abuse comprises, besides traditional illicit drugs, new psychoactive substances (NPS) and non-prescribed psychotropic medicines (N-PPM). Polydrug abuse was comprehensively evaluated among opioid-dependent patients undergoing opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). METHODS Two hundred consecutively collected urine samples from 82 OMT patients (52 male) treated with methadone or buprenorphine-naloxone medication were studied using a liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry screening method. The method enables simultaneous detection of hundreds of abused substances covering the traditional drugs of abuse and many NPS as well as N-PPM. RESULTS Ninety-two (45.8%) samples were positive for the abused substances. Benzodiazepines (29.0%), amphetamines (19.5%), cannabinoids (17.0%), NPS (13.0%), N-PPM (9.0%), and opioids (9.0%) were detected in different combinations. The simultaneous occurrence of up to three groups of abused substances was common (40.0%), and in one sample, all six groups were found. The stimulant NPS alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone was found in 10.0% and the sedative N-PPM pregabalin in 4.0% of the samples. The patients were seldom aware of what particular NPS they had abused. CONCLUSIONS A widespread occurrence of abused substances beyond the ordinary was revealed. Identifying these patients is essential as polydrug abuse is a safety risk to the patient and may cause attrition from OMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pertti Heikman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mira Sundström
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Pelander
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilkka Ojanperä
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Wood MR, Bernal I, Lalancette RA. The dangerous new synthetic drug α-PVP as the hydrated chloride salt α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone hydrochloride 0.786-hydrate. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C-STRUCTURAL CHEMISTRY 2016; 72:48-51. [DOI: 10.1107/s2053229615023621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), a dangerous designer drug, is now being marketed around the world as a harmless `bath salt', when in reality it is a powerful β-ketone phenethylamine stimulant. A sample of the free base from a recent law-enforcement seizure was crystallized as the HCl salt [systematic name: 1-(1-oxo-1-phenylpentan-2-yl)pyrrolidin-1-ium chloride 0.786-hydrate], C15H22NO+·Cl−·0.786H2O. In the crystal structure, the propyl chain is nearly perpendicular to both the phenyl ring and the carbonyl group. The hydrogen-bonding scheme involves the quaternary N atom, the Cl−anion and the partially occupied (0.786) water molecule, forming centrosymmetric dimers.
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SUGIE KI, AKUTSU M, SAITO K. Quantitative Analysis of NPS (New Psychoactive Substance) Containing α-PVP by Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART)-TOF-MS with Micro Syringe Injection. BUNSEKI KAGAKU 2016. [DOI: 10.2116/bunsekikagaku.65.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken-ichi SUGIE
- Narcotics Control Department, Kanto-Shin'etsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
| | - Mamoru AKUTSU
- Narcotics Control Department, Kanto-Shin'etsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
| | - Koichi SAITO
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University
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Katselou M, Papoutsis I, Nikolaou P, Spiliopoulou C, Athanaselis S. α-PVP (“flakka”): a new synthetic cathinone invades the drug arena. Forensic Toxicol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-015-0298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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37
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Identification and characterization of α-PVT, α-PBT, and their bromothienyl analogs found in illicit drug products. Forensic Toxicol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-015-0288-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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38
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Shimshoni JA, Britzi M, Sobol E, Willenz U, Nutt D, Edery N. 3-Methyl-methcathinone: Pharmacokinetic profile evaluation in pigs in relation to pharmacodynamics. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:734-43. [PMID: 25804420 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115576687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
3-Methyl-methcathinone (3-MMC) is a novel, synthetic cathinone analog, recently linked to poisoning events among recreational users. The lack of pharmacological data on 3-MMC, prompted us to explore its pharmacokinetic profile as well as its effect on feeding behavior, weight gain, and serum biochemistry. 3-MMC was administered to male pigs (n=3, three months old) as a single intravenous dose (0.3 mg/kg), followed by a multiple oral dose administration (3 mg/kg) for five days and plasma and tissue concentrations determined. Concomitantly a control group consisting of two healthy male pigs received saline solution instead of 3-MMC according to the same administration schedule. 3-MMC effects on complete blood count, biochemistry, feed intake, and body weight were examined. The pigs were sacrificed and submitted to a pathological and histopathological examination. 3-MMC displayed rapid absorption with a peak concentration achieved within 5-10 min after oral ingestion and a plasma half-life of 0.8 h. The bioavailability was about 7%. 3-MMC tissue levels were below detectable levels 24 h after the last oral dosage. No treatment-related clinical signs were observed and no histopathological findings were detected. 3-MMC caused significant change in daily feed intake and weight gain over time. The animals treated with 3-MMC displayed a lower rate of increase in mean body weight. Caution needs to be practiced in terms of extrapolating the present data to human safety, due to the low sample size, low dosage, and the relatively short study duration as well as the lack of data on abuse potential of 3-MMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob A Shimshoni
- Department of Toxicology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Malka Britzi
- National Residue Control Laboratory, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Eyal Sobol
- National Residue Control Laboratory, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Udi Willenz
- The Institute of Animal Research, Kibbutz Lahav, Israel
| | - David Nutt
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nir Edery
- Department of Pathology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
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39
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Gatch MB, Dolan SB, Forster MJ. Comparative Behavioral Pharmacology of Three Pyrrolidine-Containing Synthetic Cathinone Derivatives. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2015; 354:103-10. [PMID: 25998047 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.115.223586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, often sold as "bath salts," are a popular class of recreational drugs used as quasi-legal alternatives to cocaine, methamphetamine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The increased prevalence and health consequences of synthetic cathinone use has prompted regulatory agencies to control a number of these compounds; however, a broad class of analogous compounds known as the second-generation cathinones has been brought to the market to take the place of the banned synthetic cathinone derivatives. The current study aims to characterize the behavioral pharmacology of three pyrrolidinylated second-generation cathinones: 4-methyl-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4'-MePPP), α-pyrrolidinopropiobutiophenone (α-PBP), and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP). Locomotor activity was tested in mice over an 8-hour period. The discriminative stimulus effects of these compounds were tested in rats trained to discriminate either cocaine or methamphetamine. The rewarding effects of these drugs were assessed in mice using conditioned place preference. Both α-PBP and α-PVP produced long-lasting increases in locomotor activity across a wide range of doses, whereas 4'-MePPP produced locomotor stimulation only at 30 mg/kg. Both α-PBP and α-PVP fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of both cocaine and methamphetamine, whereas 4'-MePPP substituted fully for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine only. Both α-PBP and α-PVP produced conditioned place preference in an inverted U-shaped dose effect, whereas 4'-MePPP did not produce conditioned place preference. These findings suggest that α-PBP and α-PVP are likely to be recreationally used and have potential for addiction and abuse, but 4'-MePPP may not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Gatch
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Sean B Dolan
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Michael J Forster
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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40
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Saha K, Partilla JS, Lehner KR, Seddik A, Stockner T, Holy M, Sandtner W, Ecker GF, Sitte HH, Baumann MH. 'Second-generation' mephedrone analogs, 4-MEC and 4-MePPP, differentially affect monoamine transporter function. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:1321-31. [PMID: 25502630 PMCID: PMC4397398 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The nonmedical use of synthetic cathinones is increasing on a global scale. 4-Methyl-N-methylcathinone (mephedrone) is a popular synthetic cathinone that is now illegal in the United States and other countries. Since the legislative ban on mephedrone, a number of 'second-generation' analogs have appeared in the street drug marketplace, including 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (4-MEC) and 4'-methyl-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-MePPP). Here we characterized the interactions of 4-MEC and 4-MePPP with transporters for 5-HT (SERT) and dopamine (DAT) using molecular, cellular, and whole-animal methods. In vitro transporter assays revealed that 4-MEC displays unusual 'hybrid' activity as a SERT substrate (ie, 5-HT releaser) and DAT blocker, whereas 4-MePPP is a blocker at both transporters but more potent at DAT. In vivo microdialysis experiments in rat brain demonstrated that 4-MEC (1-3 mg/kg, i.v.) produced large increases in extracellular 5-HT, small increases in dopamine, and minimal motor stimulation. In contrast, 4-MePPP (1-3 mg/kg, i.v.) produced selective increases in dopamine and robust motor stimulation. Consistent with its activity as a SERT substrate, 4-MEC evoked inward current in SERT-expressing Xenopus oocytes, whereas 4-MePPP was inactive in this regard. To examine drug-transporter interactions at the molecular level, we modeled the fit of 4-MEC and 4-MePPP into the binding pockets for DAT and SERT. Subtle distinctions in ligand-transporter binding were found that account for the differential effects of 4-MEC and 4-MePPP at SERT. Collectively, our results provide key information about the pharmacology of newly emerging mephedrone analogs, and give clues to structural requirements that govern drug selectivity at DAT vs SERT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusumika Saha
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program (IRP), NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kurt R Lehner
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program (IRP), NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amir Seddik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Holy
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Sandtner
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard F Ecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria,Medical University of Vienna, Center for Addiction Research and Science, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program (IRP), NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA,Designer Drug Research Unit, IRP, NIDA, NIH, DHHS, 333 Cassell Drive, Suite 4400, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA, Tel: +1 443 740 2660, Fax: +1 443 740 2241, E-mail:
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41
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Chen X. Simultaneous determination of four designer drugs and their major metabolites by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2015; 992:1-7. [PMID: 25939091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2015.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A sensitive liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-ITMS) method was utilized for the simultaneous analysis of four designer drugs and their in vitro metabolites in rat liver microsome S9 fraction. Four designer drugs, including methcathinone (MC), 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (MDMC), 3,4-methylenedioxy-pyrovalerone (MDPV) and 4'-methyl-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (MPPP), were individually incubated with rat liver microsome S9 fraction, and the incubation mixtures were pooled together and analyzed by LC-ESI-ITMS simultaneously. Besides four designer drugs, five of their main metabolites were identified via the analysis of protonated molecules and tandem mass spectrometry data. Meanwhile, the quantification analysis of four designer drugs in rat liver microsome S9 fraction was performed, the calibration curves showed good linearity in the range of 0.01-5.0μg/mL and the detection limits were below 0.03μg/mL with RSDs less than 5.9% and recovery ratios above 77.4%. The experimental results not only showed that these designer drugs could be easily metabolized in rat liver microsome, and also displayed the superiorities of the method including time and cost saving, high efficiency, sensitivity and selectivity. The studies in this study indicated that the approach could be applied in the determination of illicit drugs and their metabolites in medical, pharmaceutical and forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueguo Chen
- Department of Forensic Chemistry, National Police University of China, Shenyang, Liaoning 110854, China.
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42
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Alechaga É, Moyano E, Galceran MT. Wide-range screening of psychoactive substances by FIA-HRMS: identification strategies. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 407:4567-80. [PMID: 25862473 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-8649-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recreational drugs (illicit drugs, human and veterinary medicines, legal highs, etc.) often contain lacing agents and adulterants which are not related to the main active ingredient. Serious side effects and even the death of the consumer have been related to the consumption of mixtures of psychoactive substances and/or adulterants, so it is important to know the actual composition of recreational drugs. In this work, a method based on flow injection analysis (FIA) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is proposed for the fast identification of psychoactive substances in recreational drugs and legal highs. The FIA and HRMS working conditions were optimized in order to detect a wide range of psychoactive compounds. As most of the psychoactive substances are acid-base compounds, methanol-0.1 % aqueous formic acid (1:1 v/v) as a carrier solvent and electrospray in both positive ion mode and negative ion mode were used. Two data acquisition modes, full scan at high mass resolution (HRMS) and data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry (ddMS/HRMS) with a quadrupole-Orbitrap mass analyzer were used, resulting in sufficient selectivity for identification of the components of the samples. A custom-made database containing over 450 substances, including psychoactive compounds and common adulterants, was built to perform a high-throughput target and suspect screening. Moreover, online accurate mass databases and mass fragmenter software were used to identify unknowns. Some examples, selected among the analyzed samples of recreational drugs and legal highs using the FIA-HRMS(ddMS/HRMS) method developed, are discussed to illustrate the screening strategy used in this study. The results showed that many of the analyzed samples were adulterated, and in some cases the sample composition did not match that of the supposed marketed substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élida Alechaga
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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Bonano JS, Banks ML, Kolanos R, Sakloth F, Barnier ML, Glennon RA, Cozzi NV, Partilla JS, Baumann MH, Negus SS. Quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis of the pharmacology of para-substituted methcathinone analogues. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2433-44. [PMID: 25438806 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Methcathinone (MCAT) is a potent monoamine releaser and parent compound to emerging drugs of abuse including mephedrone (4-CH3 MCAT), the para-methyl analogue of MCAT. This study examined quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) for MCAT and six para-substituted MCAT analogues on (a) in vitro potency to promote monoamine release via dopamine and serotonin transporters (DAT and SERT, respectively), and (b) in vivo modulation of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), a behavioural procedure used to evaluate abuse potential. Neurochemical and behavioural effects were correlated with steric (Es ), electronic (σp ) and lipophilic (πp ) parameters of the para substituents. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH For neurochemical studies, drug effects on monoamine release through DAT and SERT were evaluated in rat brain synaptosomes. For behavioural studies, drug effects were tested in male Sprague-Dawley rats implanted with electrodes targeting the medial forebrain bundle and trained to lever-press for electrical brain stimulation. KEY RESULTS MCAT and all six para-substituted analogues increased monoamine release via DAT and SERT and dose- and time-dependently modulated ICSS. In vitro selectivity for DAT versus SERT correlated with in vivo efficacy to produce abuse-related ICSS facilitation. In addition, the Es values of the para substituents correlated with both selectivity for DAT versus SERT and magnitude of ICSS facilitation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Selectivity for DAT versus SERT in vitro is a key determinant of abuse-related ICSS facilitation by these MCAT analogues, and steric aspects of the para substituent of the MCAT scaffold (indicated by Es ) are key determinants of this selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Bonano
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Naylor JE, Freeman KB, Blough BE, Woolverton WL, Huskinson SL. Discriminative-stimulus effects of second generation synthetic cathinones in methamphetamine-trained rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 149:280-4. [PMID: 25707704 PMCID: PMC4361380 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cathinones are beta-ketophenethylamine analogs manufactured to avoid legal restrictions placed on illicit stimulants like methamphetamine. Regulating these "emerging" designer drugs require scientific evidence of abuse potential. METHODS The present study evaluated the discriminative-stimulus effects of three synthetic cathinones, recently identified in commercial and confiscated products, in male Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate methamphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) from saline under a fixed-ratio (FR) 20 schedule of food delivery. Three synthetic cathinones, 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (4-MEC; 1.0-8.0 mg/kg), 4-methyl-alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-MePPP; 4.0-16.0 mg/kg), and alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP; 0.25-2.0 mg/kg) were tested for their ability to substitute for methamphetamine. RESULTS Full substitution for the training dose of methamphetamine occurred at the highest doses for both 4-MePPP and alpha-PVP, and 4-MEC did not substitute at any dose tested. CONCLUSIONS The present findings show that two synthetic cathinones, 4-MePPP and alpha-PVP, produced subjective effects similar to those of methamphetamine. The synthetic cathinone, 4-MEC, did not produce subjective effects similar to those of methamphetamine with the parameters used in the current experiment. Based on findings here and by others, these three compounds warrant further tests of abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Naylor
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States.
| | - Kevin B Freeman
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - William L Woolverton
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
| | - Sally L Huskinson
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
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Rickli A, Hoener MC, Liechti ME. Monoamine transporter and receptor interaction profiles of novel psychoactive substances: para-halogenated amphetamines and pyrovalerone cathinones. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:365-76. [PMID: 25624004 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacology of novel psychoactive substances is mostly unknown. We evaluated the transporter and receptor interaction profiles of a series of para-(4)-substituted amphetamines and pyrovalerone cathinones. We tested the potency of these compounds to inhibit the norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) transporters (NET, DAT, and SERT, respectively) using human embryonic kidney 293 cells that express the respective human transporters. We also tested the substance-induced efflux of NE, DA, and 5-HT from monoamine-loaded cells, binding affinities to monoamine receptors, and 5-HT2B receptor activation. Para-(4)-substituted amphetamines, including 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), 4-ethylmethcathinone, 4-fluoroamphetamine, 4-fluoromethamphetamine, 4-fluoromethcatinone (flephedrone), and 4-bromomethcathinone, were relatively more serotonergic (lower DAT:SERT ratio) compared with their analogs amphetamine, methamphetamine, and methcathinone. The 4-methyl, 4-ethyl, and 4-bromo groups resulted in enhanced serotonergic properties compared with the 4-fluoro group. The para-substituted amphetamines released NE and DA. 4-Fluoramphetamine, 4-flouromethamphetamine, 4-methylmethcathinone, and 4-ethylmethcathinone also released 5-HT similarly to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The pyrovalerone cathinones 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone, pyrovalerone, α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone potently inhibited the NET and DAT but not the SERT. Naphyrone was the only pyrovalerone that also inhibited the SERT. The pyrovalerone cathinones did not release monoamines. Most of the para-substituted amphetamines exhibited affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor but no relevant activation of the 5-HT2B receptor. All the cathinones exhibited reduced trace amine-associated receptor 1 binding compared with the non-β-keto-amphetamines. In conclusion, para-substituted amphetamines exhibited enhanced direct and indirect serotonergic agonist properties and are likely associated with more MDMA-like effects. The pharmacological profile of the pyrovalerone cathinones predicts pronounced stimulant effects and high abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rickli
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marius C Hoener
- Pharmaceuticals Division, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Alotaibi MR, Husbands SM, Blagbrough IS. 1H, 13C, 15N HMBC, and 19F NMR spectroscopic characterisation of seized flephedrone, cut with benzocaine. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2015; 107:535-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2014.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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LaPointe J, Musselman B, O'Neill T, Shepard JRE. Detection of "bath salt" synthetic cathinones and metabolites in urine via DART-MS and solid phase microextraction. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2015; 26:159-165. [PMID: 25315459 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-014-1006-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A rapid and sensitive method, direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) was applied to the characterization and semiquantitative analysis of synthetic cathinones and their metabolites in urine. DART-MS was capable of detecting three different cathinones and three metabolites down to sub-clinical levels directly without any sample preparations. The process produced a spectrum within seconds because no extraction or derivatization was required for analysis and the high mass accuracy of the instrumentation allowed analysis without the need for lengthy chromatographic separations. The use of solid phase microextration demonstrated a relative increase in the detectability of both drugs and metabolites, improving the detection signal on average more than an order of magnitude over direct detection, while providing cleaner spectra devoid of the major peaks associated with urine that oftentimes dominate such samples.
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Sitte HH, Freissmuth M. Amphetamines, new psychoactive drugs and the monoamine transporter cycle. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 36:41-50. [PMID: 25542076 PMCID: PMC4502921 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In monoaminergic neurons, the vesicular transporters and the plasma membrane transporters operate in a relay. Amphetamine and its congeners target this relay to elicit their actions: most amphetamines are substrates, which pervert the relay to elicit efflux of monoamines into the synaptic cleft. However, some amphetamines act as transporter inhibitors. Both compound classes elicit profound psychostimulant effects, which render them liable to recreational abuse. Currently, a surge of new psychoactive substances occurs on a global scale. Chemists bypass drug bans by ingenuous structural variations, resulting in a rich pharmacology. A credible transport model must account for their distinct mode of action and link this to subtle differences in activity and undesired, potentially deleterious effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald H Sitte
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Center for Addiction Research and Science (AddRess), Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Analysis of synthetic cathinones and associated psychoactive substances by ion mobility spectrometry. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 244:196-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Moreira APL, Martini M, de Carvalho LM. Capillary electrophoretic methods for the screening and determination of pharmacologic adulterants in herbal-based pharmaceutical formulations. Electrophoresis 2014; 35:3212-30. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201400059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula L. Moreira
- Graduate Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences; Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM); Santa Maria RS Brazil
| | - Mariele Martini
- Graduate Programme in Chemistry; Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM); Santa Maria RS Brazil
- Department of Chemistry; Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM); Santa Maria RS Brazil
| | - Leandro M. de Carvalho
- Graduate Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences; Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM); Santa Maria RS Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Chemistry; Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM); Santa Maria RS Brazil
- Department of Chemistry; Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM); Santa Maria RS Brazil
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