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Javadi-Paydar M, Kerr TM, Taffe MA. Hyperactivity Induced By Vapor Inhalation of Nicotine in Male and Female Rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.12.579996. [PMID: 38405720 PMCID: PMC10888868 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.12.579996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Rationale Preclinical models of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS; "e-cigarette") use have been rare, so there is an urgent need to develop experimental approaches to evaluate their effects. Objective To contrast the impact of inhaled nicotine across sex. Methods Male and female Wistar rats were exposed to vapor from a propylene glycol vehicle (PG), nicotine (NIC; 1-30 mg/mL in PG), or were injected with NIC (0.1-0.8 mg/kg, s.c.), and then assessed for changes in temperature and activity. The antagonist mecamylamine (2 mg/kg) was administered prior to NIC to verify pharmacological specificity. Plasma levels of nicotine and cotinine were determined after inhalation and injection. Results Activity increased in females for ~60 minutes after nicotine inhalation, and this was blocked by mecamylamine. A similar magnitude of hyperlocomotion was observed after s.c. administration. Body temperature was reduced after nicotine inhalation by female rats but mecamylamine increased this hypothermia. Increased locomotor activity was observed in male rats if inhalation was extended to 40 minutes or when multiple inhalation epochs were used per session. The temperature of male rats was not altered by nicotine. Plasma nicotine concentrations were slightly lower in male rats than in female rats after 30-minute nicotine vapor inhalation and slightly higher after nicotine injection (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.). Conclusions Nicotine inhalation increases locomotor activity in male and female rats to a similar or greater extent than by subcutaneous injection. Sex differences were observed, which may be related to lower nicotine plasma levels, lower baseline activity and/or a higher vehicle response in males.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tony M. Kerr
- Department of Neuroscience; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A. Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego; La Jolla, CA, USA
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Chen G, Rahman S, Lutfy K. E-cigarettes may serve as a gateway to conventional cigarettes and other addictive drugs. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:11345. [PMID: 38389821 PMCID: PMC10880776 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.11345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices that allow the user to inhale nicotine in a vapor, and are primarily marketed as a means of quitting smoking and a less harmful replacement for traditional cigarette smoking. However, further research is needed to determine if vaping nicotine via e-cigarettes can be effective. Conversely, nicotine has been considered a gateway drug to alcohol and other addictive drugs and e-cigarettes containing nicotine may have the same effects. Previous reports have shown that e-cigarette use may open the gate for the use of other drugs including conventional cigarettes, cannabis, opioids, etc. The increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes, particularly among youth and adolescents in the last decade have led to an increase in the dual use of e-cigarettes with alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drug use like heroin and 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The advent of e-cigarettes as a device to self-administer addictive agents such as cocaine and synthetic cathinones may bring about additional adverse health effects associated with their concurrent use. This review aims to briefly describe e-cigarettes and their different generations, and their co-use with other addictive drugs as well as the use of the device as a tool to self-administer addictive drugs, such as cocaine, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Chen
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - Kabirullah Lutfy
- College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
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Manke HN, Nunn SS, Jones RA, Rice KC, Riley AL. Male and female C57BL/6 mice display drug-induced aversion and reward in the combined conditioned taste avoidance/conditioned place preference procedure. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 225:173562. [PMID: 37156400 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drugs of abuse have rewarding and aversive effects that, in balance, impact abuse potential. Although such effects are generally examined in independent assays (e.g., CPP and CTA, respectively), a number of studies have examined these effects concurrently in rats in a combined CTA/CPP design. The present study assessed if similar effects can be produced in mice which would allow for determining how each is affected by subject and experiential factors relevant to drug use and abuse and the relationship between these affective properties. METHODS Male and female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a novel saccharin solution, injected (IP) with saline or 5.6, 10 or 18 mg/kg of the synthetic cathinone, methylone, and placed on one side of the place conditioning apparatus. The following day, they were injected with saline, given access to water and placed on the other side of the apparatus. After four conditioning cycles, saccharin avoidance and place preferences were assessed in a final two-bottle CTA test and a CPP Post-Test, respectively. RESULTS In the combined CTA/CPP design, mice acquired a significant dose-dependent CTA (p = 0.003) and a significant CPP (p = 0.002). These effects were independent of sex (all p's > 0.05). Further, there was no significant relationship between the degree of taste avoidance and place preference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Similar to rats, mice displayed significant CTA and CPP in the combined design. It will be important to extend this design in mice to other drugs and to examine the impact of different subject and experiential factors on these effects to facilitate predictions of abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley N Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
| | - Samuel S Nunn
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Robert A Jones
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
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Daziani G, Lo Faro AF, Montana V, Goteri G, Pesaresi M, Bambagiotti G, Montanari E, Giorgetti R, Montana A. Synthetic Cathinones and Neurotoxicity Risks: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076230. [PMID: 37047201 PMCID: PMC10093970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the EU Early Warning System (EWS), synthetic cathinones (SCs) are the second largest new psychoactive substances (NPS) class, with 162 synthetic cathinones monitored by the EU EWS. They have a similar structure to cathinone, principally found in Catha Edulis; they have a phenethylamine related structure but also exhibit amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Illegal laboratories regularly develop new substances and place them on the market. For this reason, during the last decade this class of substances has presented a great challenge for public health and forensic toxicologists. Acting on different systems and with various mechanisms of action, the spectrum of side effects caused by the intake of these drugs of abuse is very broad. To date, most studies have focused on the substances’ cardiac effects, and very few on their associated neurotoxicity. Specifically, synthetic cathinones appear to be involved in different neurological events, including increased alertness, mild agitation, severe psychosis, hyperthermia and death. A systematic literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases according to PRISMA guidelines was performed. A total of 515 studies published from 2005 to 2022 (350 articles from PubMed and 165 from Scopus) were initially screened for eligibility. The papers excluded, according to the criteria described in the Method Section (n = 401) and after full text analyses (n = 82), were 483 in total. The remaining 76 were included in the present review, as they met fully the inclusion criteria. The present work provides a comprehensive review on neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones highlighting intoxication cases and fatalities in humans, as well as the toxic effects on animals (in particular rats, mice and zebrafish larvae). The reviewed studies showed brain-related adverse effects, including encephalopathy, coma and convulsions, and sympathomimetic and hallucinogenic toxidromes, together with the risk of developing excited/agitated delirium syndrome and serotonin syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Daziani
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Vincenzo Montana
- Dipartimento di Anestesia, Rianimazione e Emergenza-Urgenza, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gaia Goteri
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Mauro Pesaresi
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Giulia Bambagiotti
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Eva Montanari
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Angelo Montana
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Riley AL, Manke HN, Huang S. Impact of the Aversive Effects of Drugs on Their Use and Abuse. Behav Neurol 2022; 2022:8634176. [PMID: 35496768 PMCID: PMC9045991 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8634176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug use and abuse are complex issues in that the basis of each may involve different determinants and consequences, and the transition from one to the other may be equally multifaceted. A recent model of the addiction cycle (as proposed by Koob and his colleagues) illustrates how drug-taking patterns transition from impulsive (acute use) to compulsive (chronic use) as a function of various neuroadaptations leading to the downregulation of DA systems, upregulation of stress systems, and the dysregulation of the prefrontal/orbitofrontal cortex. Although the nature of reinforcement in the initiation and mediation of these effects may differ (positive vs. negative), the role of reinforcement in drug intake (acute and chronic) is well characterized. However, drugs of abuse have other stimulus properties that may be important in their use and abuse. One such property is their aversive effects that limit drug intake instead of initiating and maintaining it. Evidence of such effects comes from both clinical and preclinical populations. In support of this position, the present review describes the aversive effects of drugs (assessed primarily in conditioned taste aversion learning), the fact that they occur concurrently with reward as assessed in combined taste aversion/place preference designs, the role of aversive effects in drug-taking (in balance with their rewarding effects), the dissociation of these affective properties in that they can be affected in different ways by the same manipulations, and the impact of various parametric, experiential, and subject factors on the aversive effects of drugs and the consequent impact of these factors on their use and abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Hayley N. Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Shihui Huang
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
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Correia B, Fernandes J, Botica MJ, Ferreira C, Quintas A. Novel Psychoactive Substances: The Razor's Edge between Therapeutical Potential and Psychoactive Recreational Misuse. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:medicines9030019. [PMID: 35323718 PMCID: PMC8950629 DOI: 10.3390/medicines9030019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds of natural and synthetic origin, similar to traditional drugs of abuse. NPS are involved in a contemporary trend whose origin lies in a thinner balance between legitimate therapeutic drug research and legislative control. The contemporary NPS trend resulted from the replacement of MDMA by synthetic cathinones in 'ecstasy' during the 2000s. The most common NPS are synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. Interestingly, during the last 50 years, these two classes of NPS have been the object of scientific research for a set of health conditions. METHODS Searches were conducted in the online database PubMed using boolean equations. RESULTS Synthetic cannabinoids displayed protective and therapeutic effects for inflammatory, neurodegenerative and oncologic pathologies, activating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Synthetic cathinones act similarly to amphetamine-type stimulants and can be used for depression and chronic fatigue. CONCLUSIONS Despite the scientific advances in this field of research, pharmacological application of NPS is being jeopardized by fatalities associated with their recreational use. This review addresses the scientific achievements of these two classes of NPS and the toxicological data, ending with a reflection on Illicit and NPS control frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Correia
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (B.C.); (J.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Joana Fernandes
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (B.C.); (J.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Maria João Botica
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPO), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Carla Ferreira
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (B.C.); (J.F.); (C.F.)
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Quintas
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (B.C.); (J.F.); (C.F.)
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Stewart DA, Blough BE. Sex differences in inflammatory cytokine levels following synthetic cathinone self-administration in rats. Neurotoxicology 2022; 88:65-78. [PMID: 34742947 PMCID: PMC8748414 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are used as stimulants of abuse. Many abused drugs, including stimulants, activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription leading to increases in NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the level of inflammation appears to correlate with length of abuse. The purpose of this study was to measure the profile of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2 and TNF-α in brain and plasma to examine if drug exposure alters inflammatory markers. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) (0.1 mg/kg/infusion), 4-methylmethcathinone (4MMC) (0.5 mg/kg/infusion), or saline through autoshaping, and then self-administered for 21 days during 1 h (short access; ShA) or 6 h (long access; LgA) sessions. Separate rats were assigned to a naïve control group. Cytokine levels were examined in amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, striatum, thalamus, and plasma. Rats acquired synthetic cathinone self-administration, and there were no sex differences in drug intake. Synthetic cathinone self-administration produced sex differences in IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2 and TNF-α levels. There were widespread increases in inflammatory cytokines in the brains of male rats compared to females, particularly for 4MMC, whereas females were more likely to show increased inflammatory cytokines in plasma compared to saline groups than males. Furthermore, these sex differences in cytokine levels were more common after LgA access to synthetic cathinones than ShA. These results suggest that synthetic cathinone use likely produces sex-selective patterns of neuroinflammation during the transition from use to abuse. Consequently, treatment need may differ depending on the progression of synthetic cathinone abuse and based on sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Elaine A. Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Delisha A. Stewart
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Nutrition Research Institute, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
| | - Bruce E. Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Nelson KH, Manke HN, Bailey JM, Vlachos A, Maradiaga KJ, Huang S, Weiss TD, Rice KC, Riley AL. Ethanol pre-exposure differentially impacts the rewarding and aversive effects of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP): Implications for drug use and abuse. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 211:173286. [PMID: 34634300 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposure to a drug can subsequently impact its own reactivity as well as that of other drugs. Given that users of synthetic cathinones, i.e., "bath salts", typically have extensive and varied drug histories, an understanding of the effects of drug history on the behavioral and physiological consequences of synthetic cathiones may be important to their abuse liability. OBJECTIVES The goal of the current work was to assess the effects of an ethanol pre-exposure on the rewarding and aversive effects of α-PVP. METHODS Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to ethanol prior to combined conditioned taste avoidance/conditioned place preference training in which rats were injected with 1.5, 3 or 5 mg/kg of racemic α-PVP or vehicle. Following a 7-day washout period, rats were then tested for thermoregulatory effects of α-PVP using subcutaneous probes to measure body temperature changes over the course of 8 h. This was followed 10 days later by assessments for α-PVP-induced locomotor activity and stereotypies over a 1-h session. RESULTS α-PVP induced significant dose- and trial-dependent taste avoidance that was significantly attenuated by ethanol history and dose- and time-dependent increases in locomotor activity that were significantly increased by ethanol. α-PVP also induced place preferences and dose- and time-dependent increases in body temperature, but these measures were unaffected by ethanol history. CONCLUSIONS α-PVP's aversive effects (as measured by taste avoidance) were attenuated, while its rewarding effects (as indexed by place preference conditioning) were unaffected, by ethanol pre-exposure. Such a pattern may indicate increased α-PVP abuse liability, as changes in the balance of aversion and reward may impact overall drug effects and likelihood of drug intake. Future self-administration studies will be necessary to explore this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine H Nelson
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA.
| | - Hayley N Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Jacob M Bailey
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Anna Vlachos
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Karina J Maradiaga
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Shihui Huang
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Tania D Weiss
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D. C. 20016, USA.
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Soares J, Costa VM, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. An updated review on synthetic cathinones. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2895-2940. [PMID: 34100120 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cathinone, the main psychoactive compound found in the plant Catha edulis Forsk. (khat), is a β-keto analogue of amphetamine, sharing not only the phenethylamine structure, but also the amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring cathinone that largely entered the recreational drug market at the end of 2000s. The former "legal status", impressive marketing strategies and their commercial availability, either in the so-called "smartshops" or via the Internet, prompted their large spread, contributing to their increasing popularity in the following years. As their popularity increased, the risks posed for public health became clear, with several reports of intoxications and deaths involving these substances appearing both in the social media and scientific literature. The regulatory measures introduced thereafter to halt these trending drugs of abuse have proved to be of low impact, as a continuous emergence of new non-controlled derivatives keep appearing to replace those prohibited. Users resort to synthetic cathinones due to their psychostimulant properties but are often unaware of the dangers they may incur when using these substances. Therefore, studies aimed at unveiling the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these substances are imperative, as they will provide increased expertise to the clinicians that face this problem on a daily basis. The present work provides a comprehensive review on history and legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects and lethality in humans, as well as on the current knowledge of the neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Soares
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-ENAS (Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit), CEBIMED (Biomedical Research Centre), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Watson SL, Blough BE. Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone and mephedrone self-administration produce differential neurochemical changes following short- or long-access conditions in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 897:173935. [PMID: 33577836 PMCID: PMC7965342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stimulant-induced neurochemical changes may occur at different times for different brain regions or neurotransmitter systems. This study sought to examine the behavioral and neurochemical effects of extended access to α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylmethcathinone (4MMC). Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer α-PVP (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) or 4MMC (0.5 mg/kg/infusion) through autoshaping, and then self-administered for 21 days during 1 h (short access; ShA) or 6 h (long access; LgA) sessions. Separate rats were assigned to a naïve control group. Amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum, and thalamus were extracted, and tissue was analyzed with electrochemical detection and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Rats acquired self-administration of α-PVP and 4MMC, and LgA rats showed more escalation of self-administration than ShA rats. Synthetic cathinone administration produced several effects on neurotransmitters. LgA self-administration of α-PVP increased 5-HIAA levels in all brain regions, compared to control. In contrast, both LgA and ShA 4MMC self-administration decreased 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in most brain regions. LgA exposure to both synthetic cathinones increased DOPAC levels in hypothalamus and striatum, and increased HVA levels in striatum compared to control. LgA self-administration of either synthetic cathinone produced region-specific increases in NE levels, whereas ShA self-administration lowered NE levels in select locations compared to control. These alterations in neurotransmitter levels indicate that synthetic cathinone use may produce differential neurochemical changes during the transition from use to abuse, and that 21 days of self-administration only models the beginning stages of dysregulated drug intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Scott L Watson
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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Duart-Castells L, Nadal-Gratacós N, Muralter M, Puster B, Berzosa X, Estrada-Tejedor R, Niello M, Bhat S, Pubill D, Camarasa J, Sitte HH, Escubedo E, López-Arnau R. Role of amino terminal substitutions in the pharmacological, rewarding and psychostimulant profiles of novel synthetic cathinones. Neuropharmacology 2021; 186:108475. [PMID: 33529677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of new synthetic cathinones continues to be a matter of public health concern. In fact, they are quickly replaced by new structurally related alternatives. The main goal of the present study was to characterize the pharmacological profile, the psychostimulant and rewarding properties of novel cathinones (pentedrone, N-ethyl-pentedrone, α-PVP, N,N-diethyl-pentedrone and α-PpVP) which only differs in their amino terminal substitution. Rat synaptosomes were used for [3H]dopamine uptake experiments. HEK293 transfected cells (hDAT, hSERT, hOCT; human dopamine, serotonin and organic cation transporter) were also used for [3H]monoamine uptake and transporter binding assays. Molecular docking was used to investigate the effect of the amino substitutions on the biological activity. Hyperlocomotion and conditioned place preference paradigm were used in order to study the psychostimulant and rewarding effects in mice. All compounds tested are potent inhibitors of DAT with very low affinity for SERT, hOCT-2 and -3, and their potency for inhibiting DAT increased when the amino-substituent expanded from a methyl to either an ethyl-, a pyrrolidine- or a piperidine-ring. Regarding the in vivo results, all the compounds induced an increase in locomotor activity and possess rewarding properties. Results also showed a significant correlation between predicted binding affinities by molecular docking and affinity constants (Ki) for hDAT as well as the cLogP of their amino-substituent with their hDAT/hSERT ratios. Our study demonstrates the role of the amino-substituent in the pharmacological profile of novel synthetic cathinones as well as their potency inhibiting DA uptake and ability to induce psychostimulant and rewarding effects in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Duart-Castells
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Nadal-Gratacós
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Muralter
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Puster
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Berzosa
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Estrada-Tejedor
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Niello
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria, A-1090
| | - S Bhat
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria, A-1090
| | - D Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H H Sitte
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria, A-1090; Center for Addiction Research and Science, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13 A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - E Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - R López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Schindler CW, Thorndike EB, Walters HM, Walther D, Rice KC, Baumann MH. Stereoselective neurochemical, behavioral, and cardiovascular effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone enantiomers in male rats. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12842. [PMID: 31724254 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) continues to be abused despite being banned by regulatory agencies. The abused formulation of α-PVP is a racemic mixture consisting of two enantiomers, S-α-PVP and R-α-PVP. In this study, we investigated the neurochemical, behavioral, and cardiovascular effects of racemic α-PVP and its enantiomers in male rats. Racemic α-PVP blocked the uptake of both dopamine and norepinephrine ex vivo, but did not block the uptake of serotonin (5-HT), at their respective transporters. S-α-PVP was slightly more potent than racemic α-PVP, while R-α-PVP was 10 to 20 times less potent at blocking dopamine and norepinephrine uptake. In microdialysis studies, racemic and S-α-PVP increased extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, but not levels of 5-HT. Racemic and S-α-PVP also increased locomotor activity. When tested at the same doses, S-α-PVP produced larger effects than racemic α-PVP. R-α-PVP also increased extracellular dopamine levels and locomotor activity, but only at 30 times higher doses than S-α-PVP. Racemic and S-α-PVP were self-administered by rats at 0.03 mg/kg/injection, whereas R-α-PVP was self-administered at a 10 times higher dose. Dose-effect determinations following acquisition suggested that R-α-PVP was at least 30 times less potent than S-α-PVP. Finally, racemic and S-α-PVP increased blood pressure and heart rate at doses approximately 30 times less than was required for R-α-PVP to produce similar effects. These results show that the neurochemical, behavioral, and cardiovascular effects of racemic α-PVP most likely reflect the actions of S isomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W. Schindler
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Eric B. Thorndike
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Hailey M. Walters
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Kenner C. Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
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Flakka: New Dangerous Synthetic Cathinone on the Drug Scene. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218185. [PMID: 33142953 PMCID: PMC7663692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
New psychoactive substances are being used as drugs and appear to be quite popular nowadays. Thanks to their specific properties, these drugs create inimitable experiences for intoxicated people. Synthetic cathinones are the most common compounds in these new drugs. Among them, α-pyrrolidopentadione (α-PVP), or “Flakka” (street name), is one of the most famous cathinone-designed drugs. Similar to other synthetic cathinone drugs, α-PVP can effectively inhibit norepinephrine and dopamine transmitters. The adverse reactions of α-PVP mainly include mania, tachycardia, and hallucinations. An increasing number of people are being admitted to emergency wards due to the consequences of their use. This work mainly summarizes the history, synthesis, pharmacology, toxicology, structure–activity relationship, metabolism, clinical process and health risks, poisoning and death, forensic toxicology, and legal status of α-PVP. We hope this review will help bring more attention to the exploration of this substance in order to raise awareness of its negative impacts on humans.
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Designer Cathinones N-Ethylhexedrone and Buphedrone Show Different In Vitro Neurotoxicity and Mice Behaviour Impairment. Neurotox Res 2020; 39:392-412. [PMID: 32535718 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00229-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
N-Ethylhexedrone (NEH) and buphedrone (Buph) are emerging synthetic cathinones (SC) with limited information about their detrimental effects within central nervous system. Objectives: To distinguish mice behavioural changes by NEH and Buph and validate their differential harmful impact on human neurons and microglia. In vivo safety data showed the typical induced behaviour of excitation and stereotypies with 4-64 mg/kg, described for other SC. Buph additionally produced jumping and aggressiveness signs, while NEH caused retropulsion and circling. Transient reduction in body-weight gain was obtained with NEH at 16 mg/kg and induced anxiolytic-like behaviour mainly with Buph. Both drugs generated place preference shift in mice at 4 and 16 mg/kg, suggestive of abuse potential. In addition, mice withdrawn NEH displayed behaviour suggestive of depression, not seen with Buph. When tested at 50-400 μM in human nerve cell lines, NEH and Buph caused neuronal viability loss at 100 μM, but only NEH produced similar results in microglia, indicating different cell susceptibilities. NEH mainly induced microglial late apoptosis/necrosis, while Buph caused early apoptosis. NEH was unique in triggering microglia shorter/thicker branches indicative of cell activation, and more effective in increasing microglial lysosomal biogenesis (100 μM vs. 400 μM Buph), though both produced the same effect on neurons at 400 μM. These findings indicate that NEH and Buph exert neuro-microglia toxicities by distinct mechanisms and highlight NEH as a specific inducer of microglia activation. Buph and NEH showed in vivo/in vitro neurotoxicities but enhanced specific NEH-induced behavioural and neuro-microglia dysfunctionalities pose safety concerns over that of Buph.
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Riley AL, Nelson KH, To P, López-Arnau R, Xu P, Wang D, Wang Y, Shen HW, Kuhn DM, Angoa-Perez M, Anneken JH, Muskiewicz D, Hall FS. Abuse potential and toxicity of the synthetic cathinones (i.e., “Bath salts”). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 110:150-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Nonhuman animal models of substance use disorders: Translational value and utility to basic science. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 206:107733. [PMID: 31790978 PMCID: PMC6980671 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recently released a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting comments on nonhuman animal models of substance use disorders (SUD). METHODS A literature review was performed to address the four topics outlined in the RFI and one topic inspired by the RFI: (1) animal models that best recapitulate SUD, (2) animal models that best balance the trade-offs between resources and ecological validity, (3) animal models whose translational value are frequently misrepresented or overrepresented by the scientific community, (4) aspects of SUD that are not currently being modeled in animals, and (5) animal models that are optimal for examining the basic mechanisms by which drugs produce their abuse-related effects. RESULTS Models that employ response-contingent drug administration, use complex schedules of reinforcement, measure behaviors that mimic the distinguishing features of SUD, and use animals that are phylogenetically similar to humans have the greatest translational value. Models that produce stable and reproducible baselines of behavior, lessen the number of uncontrolled variables, and minimize the influence of extraneous factors are best at examining basic mechanisms contributing to drug reward and reinforcement. CONCLUSIONS Nonhuman animal models of SUD have undergone significant refinements to increase their utility for basic science and translational value for SUD. The existing literature describes numerous examples of how these models may best be utilized to answer mechanistic questions of drug reward and identify potential therapeutic interventions for SUD. Progress in the field could be accelerated by further collaborations between researchers using animals versus humans.
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Watson SL, Blough BE. Synthetic cathinone self-administration in female rats modulates neurotransmitter levels in addiction-related brain regions. Behav Brain Res 2019; 376:112211. [PMID: 31493431 PMCID: PMC6783379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are used for their stimulant-like properties. Stimulant-induced neurochemical changes are thought to occur at different times in different brain regions and neurotransmitter systems. This study sought to examine the behavioral and neurochemical effects of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) and mephedrone (4MMC) in female rats. Methods probed the chronology of effects of synthetic cathinone exposure. Female rats were trained to self-administer α-PVP, 4MMC, or saline. Drug exposure ceased after 7 days of autoshaping for half of each drug group; the other half self-administered for another 21 days. Amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, PFC, striatum, and thalamus were extracted, and tissue was analyzed with electrochemical detection and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Responding was minimal during autoshaping; thus, most infusions were delivered noncontingently in the autoshaping phase. Rats acquired self-administration of α-PVP and 4MMC. Synthetic cathinone administration, and duration of exposure produced several effects on neurotransmitters. α-PVP primarily increased serotonin, 5-hydroxy-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA), norepinephrine, and glutamate in hypothalamus. In contrast, 4MMC decreased serotonin and 5-HIAA in several brain regions. Longer durations of exposure to both synthetic cathinones increased 5-HIAA, norepinephrine, and glutamate in multiple brain regions compared to the short exposure during autoshaping. Notably, both α-PVP and 4MMC produced minimal changes in dopamine levels, suggesting that the dopaminergic effects of these synthetic cathinones are transient. These alterations in neurotransmitter levels indicate that synthetic cathinone use may produce differential neurochemical changes during the transition from use to abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Scott L Watson
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Lefever TW, Thomas BF, Kovach AL, Snyder RW, Wiley JL. Route of administration effects on nicotine discrimination in female and male mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 204:107504. [PMID: 31476643 PMCID: PMC6878166 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has increased exponentially since their appearance on the U.S. market around 2007. To provide preclinical models of vaping that incorporate olfactory cues and chemosensory effects (including flavors) that play a role in human vaping behavior, the feasibility of using a modified e-cigarette device for delivery of aerosolized nicotine was examined in a nicotine discrimination procedure in mice. METHODS Adult female and male C57BL/6 mice were trained to discriminate 0.75 mg/kg subcutaneous (s.c.) nicotine from saline. After determination of a s.c. nicotine dose-effect curve, aerosolized freebase nicotine and nicotine-containing tobacco products (i.e., non-flavored and Arctic Blast e-liquids) were evaluated. RESULTS Nicotine (s.c.) dose-dependently substituted in mice of both sexes, although females showed less sensitivity and greater variability. By contrast, aerosolized nicotine, regardless of formulation, produced concentration-dependent increases up to maximum of 46-62% nicotine-associated responding. Brain nicotine concentrations for each sex were similar for s.c. 0.75 mg/kg nicotine and 30 mg/ml freebase nicotine. CONCLUSIONS Mice of both sexes readily acquired s.c. nicotine discrimination, but females showed less sensitivity. Further, all three formulations of aerosolized nicotine produced increases in nicotine-like responding in mice of each sex. However, the maximum magnitude of these increases did not engender a similar degree of substitution as s.c. 0.75 mg/kg nicotine, despite similar brain concentrations of nicotine at 30 mg/ml aerosolized nicotine. Additional research is needed for determination of the reason(s); however, results here demonstrate initial feasibility for examination of the discriminative stimulus effects of vaped drugs such as nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Lefever
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Alexander L Kovach
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Rodney W Snyder
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States.
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Modeling drug exposure in rodents using e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 330:108458. [PMID: 31614162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Smoking tobacco products is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Coordinated efforts have successfully reduced tobacco cigarette smoking in the United States; however, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) recently have replaced traditional cigarettes for many users. While the clinical risks associated with long-term ENDS use remain unclear, advancements in preclinical rodent models will enhance our understanding of their overall health effects. This review examines the peripheral and central effects of ENDS-mediated exposure to nicotine and other drugs of abuse in rodents and evaluates current techniques for implementing ENDS in preclinical research.
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Nelson KH, Manke HN, Imanalieva A, Rice KC, Riley AL. Sex differences in α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP)-induced taste avoidance, place preference, hyperthermia and locomotor activity in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 185:172762. [PMID: 31445057 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The majority of synthetic cathinone research has used only male subjects, and as a result there are few studies assessing the impact of biological sex on their effects. OBJECTIVES The current work extends the characterization of the second-generation synthetic cathinone, α-PVP, by investigating how biological sex impacts α-PVP's aversive and rewarding effects important to its use and potential abuse. METHODS A combined conditioned taste avoidance/conditioned place preference preparation was utilized in which adult male and female Sprague Dawley rats were injected with 1.5, 3 or 6 mg/kg of racemic α-PVP or vehicle (saline) (IP). Following a 24-day washout period, rats were then tested for thermoregulatory effects of α-PVP using subcutaneous microchips to measure body temperature changes over the course of 8 h. This was followed 21 days later by assessments for α-PVP-induced locomotor activity and stereotypies over a 1-h session. RESULTS Dose-dependent conditioned taste avoidance was evident in both males and females, although females displayed weaker avoidance at 3 mg/kg compared to males. Males displayed a dose-dependent conditioned place preference, while females did not form a place preference at any dose. α-PVP elicited dose- and time-dependent hyperthermia, with males displaying a faster on-set and delayed off-set compared to females. α-PVP also produced dose- and time-dependent increases in locomotor activity (F > M) and stereotypies (M > F). CONCLUSIONS As described, males displayed greater rewarding (as indexed by place preference conditioning) and aversive (as indexed by taste avoidance, hyperthermia and stereotypies) effects of α-PVP. Although comparisons between males and females in α-PVP self-administration have not been reported, these data suggest that males may be more likely to use the drug. The implications for sex differences in human use of α-PVP were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine H Nelson
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
| | - Hayley N Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Aikerim Imanalieva
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
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Kolesnikova TO, Khatsko SL, Eltsov OS, Shevyrin VA, Kalueff AV. When fish take a bath: Psychopharmacological characterization of the effects of a synthetic cathinone bath salt ‘flakka’ on adult zebrafish. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2019; 73:15-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Wiley JL, Lefever TW, Glass M, Thomas BF. Do you feel it now? Route of administration and Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-like discriminative stimulus effects of synthetic cannabinoids in mice. Neurotoxicology 2019; 73:161-167. [PMID: 30953678 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A recent push to provide more translationally relevant preclinical models for examination of pharmacological mechanisms underlying inhaled substances of abuse has resulted in the development of equipment and methods that allows exposure of freely moving rodents to aerosolized psychoactive drugs. In the present study, synthetic cannabinoids (CP55,940, AB-CHMINACA, and AMB-FUBINACA) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) or aerosolized via a modified electronic cigarette device. Subsequently, the compounds were evaluated in adult male and female C57/Bl6 mice trained to discriminate i.p. 5.6 mg/kg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for food reinforcement. When administered i.p., THC and AB-CHMINACA were equally potent at producing THC-like effects in both sexes, but CP55,940 and AMB-FUBINACA were more potent in males. Upon aerosol exposure, all compounds continued to produce THC-like effects in both sexes, with AMB-FUBINACA remaining the most potent. In contrast, aerosolized CP55,940 showed substantial decreases in potency in both sexes. Aerosolized nicotine did not substitute for THC in either sex. In females, aerosolized cumyl-4CN-BINACA produced concentration-dependent increases in responding on the THC-associated nosepoke. In addition, the effects of an active concentration of AMB-FUBINACA were reversed by rimonabant, suggesting CB1 receptor mediation. These results show that synthetic cannabinoids produce THC-like effects when injected i.p. or after aerosolization. This study adds to a growing literature suggesting that evaluation of abuse liability of substances via aerosol exposure is feasible and may provide a translationally relevant method that allows for investigation of factors important to the abuse of drugs which humans typically smoke or vape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L Wiley
- RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, 27709, NC, USA.
| | - Timothy W Lefever
- RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, 27709, NC, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- University of Otago, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Brian F Thomas
- RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, 27709, NC, USA
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Blough BE. Analysis of neurotransmitter levels in addiction-related brain regions during synthetic cathinone self-administration in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:903-914. [PMID: 30191259 PMCID: PMC6401347 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5011-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic cathinones are used as stimulants of abuse. Different stimulants may induce distinct rates of disease progression, yielding neurochemical changes that may vary across brain regions or neurotransmitter systems. OBJECTIVES This research sought to behaviorally and chemically differentiate stages of synthetic cathinone abuse through rodent self-administration and measurement of the neurotransmitter profile in multiple brain regions. METHODS Male rats were trained to self-administer α-PVP, mephedrone (4MMC), or saline. Half of each drug group stopped self-administering after autoshaping; the other half self-administered for another 21 days. Brain tissue from amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, PFC, striatum, and thalamus was profiled with electrochemical detection to assess neurotransmitter levels. RESULTS During autoshaping, the majority of infusions were delivered noncontingently. In the self-administration phase, rats responded more for α-PVP and 4MMC than for saline, demonstrating that both synthetic cathinones were reinforcing. Longer durations of exposure elevated 5-HIAA in hypothalamus, PFC, and hippocampus, indicating that learning may produce changes in addiction-related brain regions. Both synthetic cathinones decreased norepinephrine in hippocampus, while α-PVP decreased glutamate in hippocampus and PFC, and 4MMC decreased glutamate in thalamus. Furthermore, α-PVP increased dopaminergic metabolites in striatum, whereas 4MMC decreased serotonin in the amygdala, hippocampus, and PFC. Interestingly, neither synthetic cathinone affected dopamine levels despite their functional effects on the dopaminergic system. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the neurotransmitter changes observed here suggest that synthetic cathinone use likely produces sequential neurochemical changes during the transition from use to abuse. Consequently, treatment need may differ depending on the progression of synthetic cathinone abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, 136 Hermann, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, 136 Hermann, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, 136 Hermann, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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Stereoselective effects of the second-generation synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP): assessments of conditioned taste avoidance in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1067-1077. [PMID: 30334086 PMCID: PMC8328279 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5070-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Work with α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP), a second-generation synthetic cathinone, has been generally limited to the racemate. Given that with other synthetic cathinones, there are behavioral and neurochemical differences between their enantiomers, differences may also be seen with α-PVP. OBJECTIVES The present study assessed the relative contribution of each enantiomer to the aversive effects of racemic-α-PVP by comparing their ability to induce a conditioned taste avoidance. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed every other day for four exposures to a novel saccharin solution followed immediately by an injection of 0 (saline vehicle) or 1.5, 3, or 6 mg/kg of S-, R-, or racemic-α-PVP (IP). On alternating days, all subjects were given access to water to assess any unconditioned effects of α-PVP on general fluid consumption. RESULTS Rats injected with the racemate and S-isomer of α-PVP displayed avoidance of the drug-associated saccharin solution, although this avoidance was dose-dependent only for the subjects injected with the racemate. There was no evidence of taste avoidance in animals injected with the R-enantiomer at any dose tested. Animals injected with 3 mg/kg racemic-α-PVP did not differ in avoidance from those treated with 1.5 mg/kg of the S-enantiomer, but subjects treated with 6 mg/kg racemic-α-PVP displayed a significantly stronger avoidance than those treated with 3 mg/kg S-α-PVP. CONCLUSIONS The present work suggests that the aversive effects of racemic α-PVP are mediated primarily by its S-isomer. The fact that at the highest dose tested (6 mg/kg), the racemate induces an avoidance greater than the simple additive effects of the S- and R-isomers (at 3 mg/kg) suggests that while the R-isomer may not induce taste avoidance at this dose, it may interact synergistically with the S-isomer in mediating the effects of the racemic mixture. These results were discussed in terms of similar effects with other behavioral and physiological endpoints reported with a number of psychostimulants and suggest that the enantiomers of α-PVP are an important variable in characterizing its behavioral effects.
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Kolesnikova TO, Khatsko SL, Demin KA, Shevyrin VA, Kalueff AV. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone ("Flakka"). ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:168-174. [PMID: 30384587 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Flakka (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, α-PVP) is a new psychoactive substance, chemically close to cathinone, the primary psychoactive alkaloid of khat ( Catha edulis). Like other synthetic cathinones, α-PVP is a potent inhibitor of the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. Its robust clinical effects include hallucinations, arousal, aggression/violence, and euphoria. In animal models, α-PVP evokes hyperlocomotion and aberrant/stereotypic behaviors. Here, we discuss the history, synthesis, pharmacological mechanisms, metabolism, abuse potential, and societal impact of α-PVP. Today, α-PVP is a tightly controlled substance, currently banned in the United States and other countries worldwide. However, the growing abuse and complex central nervous system (CNS) effects of α-PVP remain poorly understood, necessitating further pharmacological and pharmacogenetic studies of this drug. Its interesting pharmacological profile (co-inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine, but not serotonin, transporters) also calls for further studies of α-PVP in animal models, to dissect serotonergic from other monoaminergic mechanisms of action of drugs of abuse. Finally, screening α-PVP and related compounds in vivo may foster discovery of new CNS drugs, including developing novel CNS drugs and identifying their molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Konstantin A. Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg 194156, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | | | - Allan V. Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
- Anatomy and Physiological Laboratory, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia
- ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana 70458, United States
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, ITBM, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg 194156, Russia
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Breitbarth AK, Morgan J, Jones AL. E-cigarettes-An unintended illicit drug delivery system. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 192:98-111. [PMID: 30245461 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Since the introduction of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in 2003, the technology has advanced allowing for greater user modifications, with users now able to control voltage, battery power, and constituents of the e-cigarette liquid. E-cigarettes have been the subject of a growing body of research with most research justifiably focused on the chemical makeup and risk analysis of chemicals, metals, and particulates found in e-cigarette liquids and vapor. Little research to date has focused on assessing the risks associated with the drug delivery unit itself and its potential for use as an illicit drug delivery system. In light of this, a range of illicit drugs was researched focusing on pharmacodynamics, usual method of administration, the dosage required for toxicity, toxic effects, and evidence of existing use in e-cigarettes in both literature and online illicit drug forums. A systematic literature search found evidence of current use of e-cigarettes to vape almost all illicit drug types analyzed. This presents both a potential population health risk and a management issue for clinicians. It also raises the issue of policing illicit drugs due to potential altered characteristic smells and storage within e-cigarette fluids. E-cigarettes are a viable illicit drug delivery system with evidence both inside and outside of the formal medical literature detailing their potential use for drug delivery of a wide range of illicit and legal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jody Morgan
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
| | - Alison L Jones
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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Pierluigi S, Laura B, Attilio N, Gurjeet K B, Gloria P, Davide M, Borgherini G, Giovanni M, Fabrizio S, Perini G, Ornella C. "Marvin, the Paranoid Android": The Case of an Alpha-PVP User in the Expanding Galaxy of NPS. J Psychoactive Drugs 2018; 50:306-313. [PMID: 29768112 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2018.1447172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-PVP can be defined as a novel psychoactive substance (NPS)-more specifically, a novel synthetic cathinone with unpredictable stimulant effects in humans. "Marvin" arrived at a Dual Diagnosis Unit at Parco dei Tigli, Italy. He underwent a 30-day rehabilitation program to overcome his problematic Alpha-PVP use as a psychonaut. We conducted an online search to understand the properties of Alpha-PVP and its presence in scientific literature, reviewing official reports and the online drug market (e.g., fora, webpages). In the Dual Diagnosis Unit, Marvin completed the 30-day rehabilitation program that included assessments and group and individual cognitive behavioral therapy. Alpha-PVP is a synthetic cathinone with stimulant properties, available in the online market but with unpredictable effects in humans. The present case reports an important risk of psychosis in a psychonaut patient who arrived and declared its intense use before admission to our Unit. This article describes the psychopathological effects of the novel compound Alpha-PVP in a psychonaut patient. Patients attending clinics that have used Alpha-PVP pose a new challenge for traditional services of mental health and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonato Pierluigi
- a School of Life and Medical Sciences , University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield , UK.,b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | - Bulsis Laura
- b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | - Negri Attilio
- c Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Bansal Gurjeet K
- a School of Life and Medical Sciences , University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield , UK
| | - Pessa Gloria
- b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | - Mioni Davide
- b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | | | - Martinotti Giovanni
- d Department of Neuroscience and Imaging , University "G. D'Annunzio , Chieti-Pescara , Italy
| | - Schifano Fabrizio
- a School of Life and Medical Sciences , University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield , UK
| | - Giulia Perini
- b Dual Diagnosis Unit , Casa di Cura Parco dei Tigli , Padova , Italy
| | - Corazza Ornella
- a School of Life and Medical Sciences , University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield , UK
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Nóbrega L, Dinis-Oliveira RJ. The synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP): pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic clinical and forensic aspects. Drug Metab Rev 2018. [PMID: 29540067 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2018.1448867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS), often referred as 'legal highs' or 'designer drugs', are derivatives and analogs of existing psychoactive drugs that are introduced in the recreational market to circumvent existing legislation on drugs of abuse. This work aims to review the state-of-the-art regarding chemical, molecular pharmacology, and in vitro and in vivo data on toxicokinetics of the potent synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP or flakka or zombie drug). Chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical effects of α-PVP were searched in PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) and governmental websites without limitation of the period. α-PVP is a wide spread and easy to get special type of synthetic cathinone with seemingly powerful cocaine-like stimulant effects, high brain penetration, high liability for abuse and with increased risk of adverse effects such as tachycardia, agitation, hypertension, hallucinations, delirium, mydriasis, self-injury, aggressive behavior, and suicidal ideations. α-PVP undergoes extensive metabolism via different pathways and the α-PVP itself or its metabolites β-hydroxy-α-PVP and α-PVP lactam represent the main targets for toxicological analysis in urine. There is a limited knowledge regarding the short- and long-term effects of α-PVP and metabolites, and pharmacogenetic influence, hence further clinical and forensic toxicological studies are required. Moreover, since α-PVP cannot be detected with classic routine analysis procedures, statements on the frequency of their consumption cannot be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Nóbrega
- a Department of Public Health, Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- a Department of Public Health, Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,c Department of Sciences, IINFACTS - Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies , University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL , Gandra , Portugal
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Foltin RW. Self-administration of methamphetamine aerosol by male and female baboons. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 168:17-24. [PMID: 29545026 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The reinforcing efficacy of vaporized methamphetamine HCl (0.3 mg/kg) was determined in baboons with minimal previous drug exposure. A group of 8 adult male baboons was tested prior to a group of 7 adult female baboons. Baboons were initially trained to suck on a brass stem activating a pressure-sensitive relay (i.e., puff), to receive one M&M® candy. Five of the 8 males and 6 of the 7 females learned to activate the relay. 0.05 ml of 95% ethyl alcohol containing 0.3 mg/kg methamphetamine was vaporized and delivered to the mouth of the baboon after he/she completed 2 puffs; a single candy was given after an additional 5 puffs to ensure that baboons continued puffing after the aerosol entered their mouths. Puffing was recorded but not reinforced by candy or drug for 2 min after each aerosol delivery for males and 1 min for females. Males could earn 10 and females could earn 20 aerosol deliveries. Males made between 225 and 650 puffs each session. Females made between 200 and 400 puffs each session. When only candy and placebo aerosol were delivered the number of puffs decreased in all 6 females but increased in all 5 males. When candy was delivered without aerosol, puffing decreased in 4 of 5 males, but this manipulation was not tested in females. Methamphetamine aerosol delivery maintained lower rates of puffing behavior in females than males, but procedural differences weaken interpretation of this sex comparison. Although training non-human primates to inhale drug vapors is time consuming, if successful, their long lifespan could provide years of valuable data justifying further work with non-human primates using models of vaporized drug self-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Foltin
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 120, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Karila L, Benyamina A. The Effects and Risks Associated with Synthetic Cathinones Use in Humans. CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROTOXICITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-78707-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Simmons SJ, Kim E, Gentile TA, Murad A, Muschamp JW, Rawls SM. Behavioral Profiles and Underlying Transmitters/Circuits of Cathinone-Derived Psychostimulant Drugs of Abuse. CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROTOXICITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-78707-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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MDPV and α-PVP use in humans: The twisted sisters. Neuropharmacology 2017; 134:65-72. [PMID: 29030166 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The new psychoactive substances phenomenon continues to represent a considerable public health challenge. Synthetic cathinones are β-keto amphetamine analogues, also known as legal highs, research chemicals, bath salts. These drugs have surfaced as a popular alternative to other illicit drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine, due to their potent psychostimulant and empathogenic effects. Pyrovalerone cathinones (a-pyrrolidinophenones) form a distinct group of designer cathinones, such as MDPV. After being listed as an illegal product, "second generation" compounds such as α-PVP, sharing a very similar chemical structure with MDPV, were developed. Clinical effects of these compounds are individual, dose- and route of administration-dependent. Both of them have been involved in an increased number of, not only acute intoxications but also fatalities over the past few years, raising concerns in the medical field. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of MDPV and α-PVP in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. Health actors and general population need to be clearly informed of potential risks and consequences of these 2 novel psychoactive substances spread and use. The literature search conducted led to the identification of potentially 83 relevant articles. All articles were screened from their abstracts to determine their relevance in the framework of the current review. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.'
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Nelson KH, Hempel BJ, Clasen MM, Rice KC, Riley AL. Conditioned taste avoidance, conditioned place preference and hyperthermia induced by the second generation 'bath salt' α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 156:48-55. [PMID: 28427995 PMCID: PMC6155479 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) has been reported to be rewarding in a variety of pre-clinical models. Given that a number of drugs of abuse have both rewarding and aversive effects, the balance of which influences addiction potential, the present study examined the aversive properties of α-PVP by assessing its ability to induce taste avoidance. This assessment was made in a combined taste avoidance/place conditioning design that also allowed an evaluation of the relationship between α-PVP's aversive and rewarding effects. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a novel saccharin solution, injected with one of four doses of α-PVP (0, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0mg/kg) (IP) and placed on one side of a place conditioning apparatus. The next day, they were injected with vehicle, given access to water and placed on the other side. Following four conditioning cycles, saccharin avoidance and place preferences were then assessed. The effects of α-PVP on body temperature were also examined. RESULTS α-PVP induced dose-dependent taste avoidance as well as significant increases in time spent on the drug-paired side (although this effect was not dependent on dose). α-PVP also induced dose- and time-dependent hyperthermia. CONCLUSIONS α-PVP induced significant taste avoidance whose strength relative to the psychostimulants methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and cocaine paralleled their relative binding to the dopamine transporter. Similar to other drugs of abuse, α-PVP has both aversive and rewarding effects. It will be important to assess how various experiential and subject variables impact these effects and their balance to predict abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine H Nelson
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
| | - Briana J Hempel
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Matthew M Clasen
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
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Lefever TW, Marusich JA, Thomas BF, Barrus DG, Peiper NC, Kevin RC, Wiley JL. Vaping Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Novel Preclinical Model of E-Cigarette Use in Mice. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2017; 11:1178221817701739. [PMID: 28469427 PMCID: PMC5398321 DOI: 10.1177/1178221817701739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Smoking is the most common route of administration for cannabis; however, vaping cannabis extracts and synthetic cannabinoids ("fake marijuana") in electronic cigarette devices has become increasingly popular. Yet, most animal models used to investigate biological mechanisms underlying cannabis use employ injection as the route of administration. This study evaluated a novel e-cigarette device that delivers aerosolized cannabinoids to mice. The effects of aerosolized and injected synthetic cannabinoids (CP 55,940, AB-CHMINACA, XLR-11, and JWH-018) in mice were compared in a battery of bioassays in which psychoactive cannabinoids produce characteristic effects. The most potent cannabinoids (CP 55,940 and AB-CHMINACA) produced the full cannabinoid profile (ie, hypothermia, hypolocomotion, and analgesia), regardless of the route of administration. In contrast, aerosolized JWH-018 and XLR-11 did not produce the full profile of cannabimimetic effects. Results of time course analysis for hypothermia showed that aerosol exposure to CP 55,940 and AB-CHMINACA produced faster onset of effects and shorter duration of action than injection. The ability to administer cannabinoids to rodents using the most common route of administration among humans provides a method for collecting preclinical data with enhanced translational relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brian F Thomas
- Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals, RTI International, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Daniel G Barrus
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas C Peiper
- Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Richard C Kevin
- Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals, RTI International, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Durham, NC, USA
- Jenny L Wiley, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA.
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Lefever TW, Lee YO, Kovach AL, Silinski MA, Marusich JA, Thomas BF, Wiley JL. Delivery of nicotine aerosol to mice via a modified electronic cigarette device. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 172:80-87. [PMID: 28157590 PMCID: PMC5327853 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although both men and women use e-cigarettes, most preclinical nicotine research has focused on its effects in male rodents following injection. The goals of the present study were to develop an effective e-cigarette nicotine delivery system, to compare results to those obtained after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, and to examine sex differences in the model. METHODS Hypothermia and locomotor suppression were assessed following aerosol exposure or s.c. injection with nicotine in female and male mice. Subsequently, plasma and brain concentrations of nicotine and cotinine were measured. RESULTS Passive exposure to nicotine aerosol produced concentration-dependent and mecamylamine reversible hypothermic and locomotor suppressant effects in female and male mice, as did s.c. nicotine injection. In plasma and brain, nicotine and cotinine concentrations showed dose/concentration-dependent increases in both sexes following each route of administration. Sex differences in nicotine-induced hypothermia were dependent upon route of administration, with females showing greater hypothermia following aerosol exposure and males showing greater hypothermia following injection. In contrast, when they occurred, sex differences in nicotine and cotinine levels in brain and plasma consistently showed greater concentrations in females than males, regardless of route of administration. DISCUSSION In summary, the e-cigarette exposure device described herein was used successfully to deliver pharmacologically active doses of nicotine to female and male mice. Further, plasma nicotine concentrations following exposure were similar to those after s.c. injection with nicotine and within the range observed in human smokers. Future research on vaped products can be strengthened by inclusion of translationally relevant routes of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W. Lefever
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | - Youn O.K. Lee
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | | | | | - Julie A. Marusich
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | - Brian F. Thomas
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | - Jenny L. Wiley
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
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