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Shang L, Wei H, Deng J, Stewart MJ, LeSaint JE, Kyomuhangi A, Park S, Maul EC, Zhan CG, Zheng F. In vitro and in vivo stability of a highly efficient long-acting cocaine hydrolase. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10952. [PMID: 38740850 PMCID: PMC11091111 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
It is recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy for cocaine use disorder to develop an efficient enzyme which can rapidly convert cocaine to physiologically inactive metabolites. We have designed and discovered a series of highly efficient cocaine hydrolases, including CocH5-Fc(M6) which is the currently known as the most efficient cocaine hydrolase with both the highest catalytic activity against (-)-cocaine and the longest biological half-life in rats. In the present study, we characterized the time courses of protein appearance, pH, structural integrity, and catalytic activity against cocaine in vitro and in vivo of a CocH5-Fc(M6) bulk drug substance produced in a bioreactor for its in vitro and in vivo stability after long-time storage under various temperatures (- 80, - 20, 4, 25, or 37 °C). Specifically, all the tested properties of the CocH5-Fc(M6) protein did not significantly change after the protein was stored at any of four temperatures including - 80, - 20, 4, and 25 °C for ~ 18 months. In comparison, at 37 °C, the protein was less stable, with a half-life of ~ 82 days for cocaine hydrolysis activity. Additionally, the in vivo studies further confirmed the linear elimination PK profile of CocH5-Fc(M6) with an elimination half-life of ~ 9 days. All the in vitro and in vivo data on the efficacy and stability of CocH5-Fc(M6) have consistently demonstrated that CocH5-Fc(M6) has the desired in vitro and in vivo stability as a promising therapeutic candidate for treatment of cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyue Shang
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Huimei Wei
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Jing Deng
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Madeline J Stewart
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Johnathan E LeSaint
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Annet Kyomuhangi
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Shawn Park
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Elise C Maul
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Fang Zheng
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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Emaus RA, Borra LCP, van der Hulst R, Kloos DP, Rijken DJ, Elsinga PH, Boersma HH, Bosman IJ, Touw DJ. Postmortem redistribution of cocaine and its metabolites, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester in humans: Important variables that might be influencing the central blood / peripheral blood ratio. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 348:111707. [PMID: 37127009 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A big challenge in forensic toxicology is the correct interpretation of the results of quantitative analyses in postmortem cases. Postmortem drug concentrations not necessarily reflect the drug concentrations at the time of death, due to postmortem changes in drug concentrations caused by postmortem redistribution (PMR). Cardiac blood is more prone to PMR related concentration changes than peripheral blood. Because of this difference in susceptibility to PMR related concentration changes, the ratio of cardiac blood concentration/peripheral blood concentration (C/P) of a drug is an often-used marker of PMR. In this study, we investigated the relationship between different potentially significant variables and the C/P ratios of cocaine, benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME) in humans. The aim was to elucidate the mechanisms involved in PMR of these substances and potentially provide guidelines aiding forensic toxicologists in the interpretation of postmortem quantitative results of cocaine and its metabolites. To differentiate between postmortem concentration changes due to redistribution versus degradation of cocaine, the relationships between these variables and metabolite/cocaine ratios were investigated as well. METHOD Toxicological results of all postmortem cases that were positive for cocaine, BE and/or EME investigated by the Netherlands Forensic Institute between January 1st 2010 and July 31st 2020 were reviewed. The C/P ratios, BE/cocaine ratios and EME/cocaine ratios were determined for all selected cases. Cocaine, BE and/or EME were quantified in both femoral blood and cardiac blood in a total of 148 cases. Ratios were compared between subgroups by performing either a Mann-Whitney U test or a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS A statistically significant difference in C/P ratio of EME was observed between trauma and non-trauma cases with median C/P ratios of 2.03 and 1.57, respectively (p value=0.001). A statistically significant difference in EME/cocaine ratio was observed between the BMI subgroups 18.5 - 25.0 kg/m2 and> 25 kg/m2 with median EME/cocaine ratios of 3.79 and 1.58, respectively (p-value<0.001). CONCLUSION Postmortem cocaine concentrations should be interpreted with caution, considering the occurrence of both PMR and postmortem degradation. When interpreting postmortem toxicological results in cocaine-related fatalities, it might prove useful to take the above-mentioned variables into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin-Alissa Emaus
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Pharmacy, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rogier van der Hulst
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Dick-Paul Kloos
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB The Hague, the Netherlands
| | | | - Philip Hein Elsinga
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrikus Hessel Boersma
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 973AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Jolanda Bosman
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel Johannes Touw
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 973AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Pharmaceutical Analysis - Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 973AV Groningen, the Netherlands
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Rooney B, Sobiecka P, Rock K, Copeland C. From Bumps to Binges: Overview of Deaths Associated with Cocaine in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2000-2019). J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:207-215. [PMID: 36611264 PMCID: PMC10037635 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The UK, as the "cocaine capital of Europe," currently accounts for ∼75% of all cocaine-related hospital admissions in Europe. This study aims to analyze the trends in cocaine-related deaths in England, Wales and Northern Ireland over 20 years (2000-2019). Cases reported to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD) occurring between 2000 and 2019 where cocaine was detected at post-mortem (PM) were extracted for analysis. A total of 5,339 cases were retrieved, with an increase in the rate of reporting over time. Cocaine was deemed a cause of death and quantified in PM blood samples along with its major metabolite benzoylecgonine in 685 cases. Of these 685 cases, 25% (n = 170/685) occurred following acute use, 22% (n = 154/685) following chronic/binge use, 40% (n = 271/685) in combination with morphine, 4% (n = 29/685) in drug packer/swallower circumstances and 9% (n = 61/685) in a suicide context. Cardiac complications were evident in 22% of cases (n = 154/685). The average concentration of cocaine detected in cardiac cases (900 ng/mL) was considerably lower than that detected in cases where acute (19,100 ng/mL) or chronic/binge (6,200 ng/mL) dosing was evident. This is the first cocaine-related mortality study in these geographical areas. Deaths following cocaine use continue to rise despite its Class A drug listing in the UK. While underlying and external risk factors including polydrug use, cardiac complications and mental health can all contribute to the incidence of fatal drug toxicity following cocaine use, this study demonstrates that the risk of a cocaine overdose cannot be attributed to a specific blood concentration range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Rooney
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Pola Sobiecka
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Kirsten Rock
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Stamford St., London SE1 9NQ, UK
- National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Caroline Copeland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Stamford St., London SE1 9NQ, UK
- National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
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Turner ME, Wetzel HN, Zinani DB, Crutchfield CA, Norman AB. Effects of a recombinant humanized anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody on the metabolism and distribution of cocaine in vitro and in mice. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e01009. [PMID: 36121122 PMCID: PMC9484263 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody, h2E2, is a candidate for treating cocaine-use disorder. h2E2 binds to and sequesters cocaine in the plasma compartment, effectively decreasing cocaine concentrations in the brains of rats and mice. Despite the binding of cocaine to h2E2, plasma cocaine concentrations decline rapidly in rodents over time, but there was a drastic decrease in the urinary elimination of cocaine in the presence of h2E2. Since cocaine is not being renally excreted, the apparent disappearance of cocaine from the plasma must be explained by either metabolism or distribution. However, binding of cocaine to h2E2 may restrict the availability of cocaine for hydrolysis by endogenous esterases. Therefore, the antibody would be expected to extend the elimination half-life of cocaine. In contrast, previous studies reported h2E2 as having no effect on the rate of cocaine clearance. It is important to examine the ultimate clearance of the cocaine to ascertain its half-life and potential for re-intoxication. Therefore, we investigated the effects of h2E2 on cocaine hydrolysis in vitro and on cocaine metabolism and disposition in vivo over a 6-h time course. The spontaneous and enzyme-mediated in vitro hydrolysis of cocaine was drastically decreased in the presence of h2E2 in vitro. Additionally, in mice, h2E2 significantly increased the distribution and elimination half-lives of cocaine relative to vehicle controls over an extended time course. Therefore, we concluded that h2E2 slowing the distribution and elimination of cocaine is the most appropriate explanation for the initial disappearance of cocaine from the plasma in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie E. Turner
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, College of MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Hanna N. Wetzel
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, College of MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Dakota B. Zinani
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, College of MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Christopher A. Crutchfield
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, College of MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Andrew B. Norman
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, College of MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
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Vejar-Vivar C, Millán-Santiago J, Mardones C, Lucena R, Cárdenas S. Polydopamine inner wall-coated hypodermic needle as microextraction device and electrospray emitter for the direct analysis of illicit drugs in oral fluid by ambient mass spectrometry. Talanta 2022; 249:123693. [PMID: 35751921 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
In this article, polydopamine inner wall-coated hypodermic needles (PDA-HNs) are evaluated as both microextraction devices and electrospray ionization (ESI) emitters for determining selected illicit drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, and methadone) in oral fluid samples. The PDA film, located in the inner wall of the needle, allows the extraction of the analytes at alkaline pH, where their hydrophobic character is promoted. The extracted analytes are finally eluted in a methanol/formic acid mixture that also acts as ESI solution. For this purpose, a dedicated interface based on the connection of a PEEK tube with the needle hub is proposed. This assembly allows delivering the ESI solution by the infusion syringe pump of the mass spectrometer, providing an efficient ESI on the tip of the needle. The double use of the PDA-HNs as microextraction devices and ESI emitters permits the determination of the target analytes with limits of detection and precision (expressed as relative standard deviation) values better than 2.4 μg/L and 17.6%, respectively. The accuracy was evaluated by analyzing independent spiked oral fluid samples, obtaining good results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmina Vejar-Vivar
- Affordable and Sustainable Sample Preparation (AS(2)P) Research Group, Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Química Fina y Nanoquímica IUNAN, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Marie Curie, E-14071, Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Análisis Instrumental, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Casilla 237, Correo 3, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jaime Millán-Santiago
- Affordable and Sustainable Sample Preparation (AS(2)P) Research Group, Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Química Fina y Nanoquímica IUNAN, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Marie Curie, E-14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Claudia Mardones
- Departamento de Análisis Instrumental, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Casilla 237, Correo 3, Concepción, Chile
| | - Rafael Lucena
- Affordable and Sustainable Sample Preparation (AS(2)P) Research Group, Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Química Fina y Nanoquímica IUNAN, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Marie Curie, E-14071, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Soledad Cárdenas
- Affordable and Sustainable Sample Preparation (AS(2)P) Research Group, Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Química Fina y Nanoquímica IUNAN, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Marie Curie, E-14071, Córdoba, Spain
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Riggio M, Dave KA, Koscak B, Blakey M, Appleton C. Impact of Quantisal® Oral Fluid Collection Device on Drug Stability. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:670656. [PMID: 35295159 PMCID: PMC8915805 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.670656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The stability of drugs can affect drug tests and interpretations. A comprehensive study to verify drug stability in Quantisal® oral fluid (OF) collection device was undertaken in accordance with Australian standard, AS/NZS 4760:2019 (SAI-Global, 2019). The evaluation was performed for the following drugs: (±) amphetamine, (±) methylamphetamine, (±) 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA), (−)Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cocaine, benzoylecgonine, morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. Stability was assessed at four different storage temperatures over seven time points at ±50% cut-off concentrations (Appendix A, Para A4-4.1, AS/NZS 4760:2019) (SAI-Global, 2019). All drugs were found to be significantly more stable at 4 and –20°C, with stability spanning at least 14 days with percentage change within ±20% from the cut-off concentrations (SAI-Global, 2019). In addition, we report a variation trend with cocaine and benzoylecgonine at elevated temperatures, suggesting hydrolytic decomposition of cocaine and a concomitant increase in benzoylecgonine quantitative values. We confirm the cross-talk by showing that the percentage change in the profile of average cocaine-benzoylecgonine measurement is within the acceptance concentration range of ±20%. This finding highlights the importance of precaution during storage and careful considerations during subsequent interpretation of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) measurements.
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Bishop N, Jones-Lepp T, Margetts M, Sykes J, Alvarez D, Keil DE. Wastewater-based epidemiology pilot study to examine drug use in the Western United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 745:140697. [PMID: 32758738 PMCID: PMC7361084 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The extent of prescription and illicit drug abuse in geographically isolated rural and micropolitan communities in the intermountain western United States (US) has not been well tracked. The goal of this pilot study was to accurately measure drug dose consumption rates (DCR) between two select populations, normalize the data and compare the DCRs to similar communities. To learn about patterns of drug abuse between the two disparate communities, we used the emergent field of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). A rapid, quantitative and systematic process for the determination of multiple classes of prescribed and illicit drugs was applied to influent wastewater samples. Influent samples were collected over the course of three months (April to June 2019) at two wastewater treatment plants representing a small urban and a rural community. Collection of sewage influent included 24-h composite samples and the use of polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS), time-weighted samplers. Using the results from the composite sampling data, DCRs per 1000 population could be calculated from the concentration data and the use of excretion correction factors. The following 18 compounds: amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDA, MDMA, morphine, 6-acetylmorphine, methadone, EDDP, codeine, benzoylecgonine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, noroxycodone, ketamine, fluoxetine, tramadol, and ritalinic acid; represent a subset of the targeted analytes that were consistently measured at detectable concentration levels, and present at both sites. Following normalization of the drug measurements to influent flow rates and per capita, the small urban community demonstrated greater collective excretion rates (CER) than the rural community, with the exceptions of amphetamine and methamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Bishop
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | - Miranda Margetts
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Jordan Sykes
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - David Alvarez
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Deborah E Keil
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bozeman, MT, USA
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Yan M, Zhang Z, Liu Z, Zhang C, Zhang J, Fan S, Yang Z. Catalytic Hydrolysis Mechanism of Cocaine by Human Carboxylesterase 1: An Orthoester Intermediate Slows Down the Reaction. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24224057. [PMID: 31717501 PMCID: PMC6891567 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24224057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human carboxylesterase 1 (hCES1) is a major carboxylesterase in the human body and plays important roles in the metabolism of a wide variety of substances, including lipids and drugs, and therefore is attracting more and more attention from areas including lipid metabolism, pharmacokinetics, drug–drug interactions, and prodrug activation. In this work, we studied the catalytic hydrolysis mechanism of hCES1 by the quantum mechanics computation method, using cocaine as a model substrate. Our results support the four-step theory of the esterase catalytic hydrolysis mechanism, in which both the acylation stage and the deacylation stage include two transition states and a tetrahedral intermediate. The roles and cooperation of the catalytic triad, S221, H468, and E354, were also analyzed in this study. Moreover, orthoester intermediates were found in hCES1-catalyzed cocaine hydrolysis reaction, which significantly elevate the free energy barrier and slow down the reaction. Based on this finding, we propose that hCES1 substrates with β-aminocarboxylester structure might form orthoester intermediates in hCES1-catalyzed hydrolysis, and therefore prolong their in vivo half-life. Thus, this study helps to clarify the catalytic mechanism of hCES1 and elucidates important details of its catalytic process, and furthermore, provides important insights into the metabolism of hCES1 substrates and drug designing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maocai Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao 276800, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (Z.Y.); Tel.: +86-(633)-2983781 (M.Y.); +86-(10)-63165283 (Z.Y.)
| | - Zhen Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Zhaoming Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Jingchang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Shuai Fan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhaoyong Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (Z.Y.); Tel.: +86-(633)-2983781 (M.Y.); +86-(10)-63165283 (Z.Y.)
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9
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Tan K, Zhou M, Ahrendt AJ, Duke NEC, Tabaja N, Ball WJ, Kirley TL, Norman AB, Joachimiak A, Schiffer M, Wilton R, Pokkuluri PR. Structural analysis of free and liganded forms of the Fab fragment of a high-affinity anti-cocaine antibody, h2E2. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2019; 75:697-706. [PMID: 31702583 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x19013608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A high-affinity anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody, designated h2E2, is entering phase 1 clinical trials for cocaine abuse therapy. To gain insight into the molecular details of its structure that are important for binding cocaine and cocaine metabolites, the Fab fragment was generated and crystallized with and without ligand. Structures of the unliganded Fab and the Fab fragment bound to benzoylecgonine were determined, and were compared with each other and with other crystallized anti-cocaine antibodies. The affinity of the h2E2 antibody for cocaine is 4 nM, while that of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine is 20 nM. Both are higher than the reported affinity for cocaine of the two previously crystallized anti-cocaine antibodies. Consistent with cocaine fluorescent quenching binding studies for the h2E2 mAb, four aromatic residues in the CDR regions of the Fab (TyrL32, TyrL96, TrpL91 and TrpH33) were found to be involved in ligand binding. The aromatic side chains surround and trap the tropane moiety of the ligand in the complex structure, forming significant van der Waals interactions which may account for the higher affinity observed for the h2E2 antibody. A water molecule mediates hydrogen bonding between the antibody and the carbonyl group of the benzoyl ester. The affinity of binding to h2E2 of benzoylecgonine differs only by a factor of five compared with that of cocaine; therefore, it is suggested that h2E2 would bind cocaine in the same way as observed in the Fab-benzoylecgonine complex, with minor rearrangements of some hypervariable segments of the antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemin Tan
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Min Zhou
- Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Angela J Ahrendt
- Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Norma E C Duke
- Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Nassif Tabaja
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - William J Ball
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, College of Medicine and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Terence L Kirley
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, College of Medicine and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Andrew B Norman
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, College of Medicine and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Andrzej Joachimiak
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Marianne Schiffer
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Rosemarie Wilton
- Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - P Raj Pokkuluri
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
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Marckel JA, Wetzel HN, Amlal S, Amlal H, Norman AB. A Recombinant Humanized Anticocaine Monoclonal Antibody Alters the Urinary Clearance of Cocaine and Its Metabolites in Rats. Drug Metab Dispos 2019; 47:184-188. [PMID: 30578276 PMCID: PMC6367686 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.118.083857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A recombinant humanized anticocaine monoclonal antibody, h2E2, has shown potential in the preclinical phases for the treatment of cocaine abuse. The standard tests for cocaine usage are the detection of benzoylecgonine (BE) and cocaine in the urine. This includes workplace drug screens as well as in clinical trials for potential treatments of cocaine abuse. By sequestering cocaine into the plasma compartment, h2E2 prevents cocaine from entering the brain. Due to the altered disposition of cocaine in the presence of h2E2, we investigated the effects of h2E2 on cocaine and metabolite levels in the urine of rats to clarify the use of BE as an endpoint measurement for effectiveness in future clinical trials. The urine concentrations of cocaine and metabolites were considerably altered in the presence of h2E2. After a single injection of h2E2 (120 mg/kg) and cocaine hydrochloride (0.56 mg/kg), the concentration of cocaine and BE excreted into the urine of rats decreased by 92% and 91%, respectively, from vehicle controls. Due to the significant decrease in urinary excretion, BE is not an appropriate indicator of cocaine usage in the presence of h2E2. Another endpoint measurement must be selected for the measurement of cocaine usage in the upcoming clinical trials of h2E2. In contrast to the effects on cocaine and BE urinary excretion, there was a 3-fold increase in ecgonine methyl ester (EME) in the presence of h2E2. Therefore, we conclude that EME is a more appropriate measurement of cocaine intake in the presence of h2E2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Marckel
- Departments of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology (J.A.M., H.N.W., A.B.N.) and Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension (S.A., H.A.), College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Hanna N Wetzel
- Departments of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology (J.A.M., H.N.W., A.B.N.) and Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension (S.A., H.A.), College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sihame Amlal
- Departments of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology (J.A.M., H.N.W., A.B.N.) and Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension (S.A., H.A.), College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Hassane Amlal
- Departments of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology (J.A.M., H.N.W., A.B.N.) and Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension (S.A., H.A.), College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Andrew B Norman
- Departments of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology (J.A.M., H.N.W., A.B.N.) and Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension (S.A., H.A.), College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Nedahl M, Johansen SS, Linnet K. Postmortem Brain–Blood Ratios of Amphetamine, Cocaine, Ephedrine, MDMA and Methylphenidate. J Anal Toxicol 2019; 43:378-384. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nedahl
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's vej 11, 3. Floor, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Sys Stybe Johansen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's vej 11, 3. Floor, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Kristian Linnet
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's vej 11, 3. Floor, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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12
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Coe MA, Jufer Phipps RA, Cone EJ, Walsh SL. Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of Oral Cocaine in Humans. J Anal Toxicol 2018; 42:285-292. [PMID: 29462364 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacokinetic profile of oral cocaine has not been fully characterized and prospective data on oral bioavailability are limited. A within-subject study was performed to characterize the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of oral cocaine. Fourteen healthy inpatient participants (six males) with current histories of cocaine use were administered two oral doses (100 and 200 mg) and one intravenous (IV) dose (40 mg) of cocaine during three separate dosing sessions. Plasma samples were collected for up to 24 h after dosing and analyzed for cocaine and metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental analysis, and a two-factor model was used to assess for dose and sex differences. The mean ± SEM oral cocaine bioavailability was 0.32 ± 0.04 after 100 and 0.45 ± 0.06 after 200 mg oral cocaine. Volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance (CL) were both greatest after 100 mg oral (Vd = 4.2 L/kg; CL = 116.2 mL/[min kg]) compared to 200 mg oral (Vd = 2.9 L/kg; CL = 87.5 mL/[min kg]) and 40 mg IV (Vd = 1.3 L/kg; CL = 32.7 mL/[min kg]). Oral cocaine area-under-thecurve (AUC) and peak concentration increased in a dose-related manner. AUC metabolite-to-parent ratios of benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester were significantly higher after oral compared to IV administration and highest after the lower oral dose. In addition, minor metabolites were detected in higher concentrations after oral compared to IV cocaine. Oral cocaine produced a pharmacokinetic profile different from IV cocaine, which appears as a rightward and downward shift in the concentration-time profile. Cocaine bioavailability values were similar to previous estimates. Oral cocaine also produced a unique metabolic profile, with greater concentrations of major and minor metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion A Coe
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Rebecca A Jufer Phipps
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Rd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.,State of Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 900 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA
| | - Edward J Cone
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Rd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.,ConeChem Research, LLC, 1130 Newbury Ln W, Mobile, AL 36695, USA
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.,Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Medical Behavioral Science Building, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
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13
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Andrés-Costa MJ, Pascual-Aguilar J, Andreu V, Picó Y. Assessing drugs of abuse distribution in Turia River based on geographic information system and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 609:360-369. [PMID: 28753511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Drugs of abuse are continuously discharged into wastewaters as part of their elimination process. Pollution at very low concentrations appears to be broad in environmental compartments near populated areas. A total of 42 drugs of abuse and metabolites were analysed in surface water samples collected in 2012 and 2013 by solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Analytical results of target compounds were georeferenced and integrated into a geographical information systems (GIS). Ecotoxicological risk of drugs of abuse detected in the Turia River was evaluated in this study by calculating risk quotient (RQ). In 2012, 6 compounds were detected in a total of 22 points. In 2013, 7 compounds were found in a total of 31 sampling sites, 4 of them also detected in 2012. The most frequent compound was benzoylecgonine, detected in 9 sampling points in 2012 and 8 in 2013, at an average concentration of 25.4ng/L and 14.02ng/L. Codeine reached the maximum concentration of detected compounds (101ng/L) in 2013. GIS provided the spatial incidence of drugs of abuse along the Turia River basin. The distribution of these compounds in 2012 and 2013 shows that the highest concentrations and frequency of drugs of abuse run into places with the highest population density. The RQ obtained from measured concentrations of detected drugs predict that no short-term environmental risk might be expected. Further research including multi-stressors studies with more potentially persistent or pseudo-persistent organic pollutants in surface waters is needed to establish relationships with human pressure in a river basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jesús Andrés-Costa
- Environmental and Food Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Desertification Research Centre CIDE (CSIC-UV-GV), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Juan Pascual-Aguilar
- Lanscape Chemistry and Environmental Forensics Group, CIDE (CSIC-UV-GV), Carretera Moncada, Náquera, Km. 4.5, Moncada, 46113, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Andreu
- Lanscape Chemistry and Environmental Forensics Group, CIDE (CSIC-UV-GV), Carretera Moncada, Náquera, Km. 4.5, Moncada, 46113, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yolanda Picó
- Environmental and Food Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Desertification Research Centre CIDE (CSIC-UV-GV), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100, Valencia, Spain
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Wetzel HN, Webster RP, Saeed FO, Kirley TL, Ball WJ, Norman AB. Characterization of a recombinant humanized anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody produced from multiple clones for the selection of a master cell bank candidate. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 487:690-694. [PMID: 28442345 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.04.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We have generated a humanized anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody (mAb), which is at an advanced stage of pre-clinical development. We report here in vitro binding affinity studies, and in vivo pharmacokinetic and efficacy studies of the recombinant mAb. The overall aim was to characterize the recombinant antibody from each of the three highest producing transfected clones and to select one to establish a master cell bank. In mAb pharmacokinetic studies, after injection with h2E2 (120 mg/kg iv) blood was collected from the tail tip of mice over 28 days. Antibody concentrations were quantified using ELISA. The h2E2 concentration as a function of time was fit using a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model. To test in vivo efficacy, mice were injected with h2E2 (120 mg/kg iv), then one hour later injected with an equimolar dose of cocaine. Blood and brain were collected 5 min after cocaine administration. Cocaine concentrations were quantified using LC/MS. The affinity of the antibody for cocaine was determined using a [3H] cocaine binding assay. All three antibodies had long elimination half-lives, 2-5 nM Kd for cocaine, and prevented cocaine's entry into the brain by sequestering it in the plasma. Pharmacokinetic and radioligand binding assays supported designation of the highest producing clone 85 as the master cell bank candidate. Overall, the recombinant h2E2 showed favorable binding properties, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna N Wetzel
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0575, USA
| | - Rose P Webster
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0575, USA
| | - Fatima O Saeed
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0575, USA
| | - Terence L Kirley
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0575, USA
| | - William J Ball
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0575, USA
| | - Andrew B Norman
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0575, USA.
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15
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Tsujikawa K, Iwata YT, Segawa H, Yamamuro T, Kuwayama K, Kanamori T, Inoue H. Development of a new field-test procedure for cocaine. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 270:267-274. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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16
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McCall AK, Scheidegger A, Madry MM, Steuer AE, Weissbrodt DG, Vanrolleghem PA, Kraemer T, Morgenroth E, Ort C. Influence of Different Sewer Biofilms on Transformation Rates of Drugs. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:13351-13360. [PMID: 27993059 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To estimate drug consumption more reliably, wastewater-based epidemiology would benefit from a better understanding of drug residue stability during in-sewer transport. We conducted batch experiments with real, fresh wastewater and sewer biofilms. Experimental conditions mimic small to medium-sized gravity sewers with a relevant ratio of biofilm surface area to wastewater volume (33 m2 m-3). The influences of biological, chemical, and physical processes on the transformation of 30 illicit drug and pharmaceutical residues were quantified. Rates varied among locations and over time. Three substances were not stable-that is, >20% transformation, mainly due to biological processes-at least for one type of tested biofilm for a residence time ≤2 h: amphetamine, 6-acetylcodeine, and 6-monoacetylmorphine. Cocaine, ecgonine methyl ester, norcocaine, cocaethylene, and mephedrone were mainly transformed by chemical hydrolysis and, hence, also unstable in sewers. In contrast, ketamine, norketamine, O-desmethyltramadol, diclofenac, carbamazepine, and methoxetamine were not substantially affected by in-sewer processes under all tested conditions and residence times up to 12 h. Our transformation rates include careful quantification of uncertainty and can be used to identify situations in which specific compounds are not stable. This will improve accuracy and uncertainty estimates of drug consumption when applied to the back-calculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin McCall
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) , 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Scheidegger
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) , 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Milena M Madry
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich , 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich , 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David G Weissbrodt
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) , 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich , 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology , 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University , 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Peter A Vanrolleghem
- ModelEAU, Département de Génie Civil et de Génie des Eaux, Université Laval , Pavillon Pouliot, 1065 av. de la Médecine, Québec City, Québec G1 V 0A6, Canada
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich , 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) , 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich , 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Ort
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) , 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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17
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Kirla KT, Groh KJ, Steuer AE, Poetzsch M, Banote RK, Stadnicka-Michalak J, Eggen RIL, Schirmer K, Kraemer T. From the Cover: Zebrafish Larvae Are Insensitive to Stimulation by Cocaine: Importance of Exposure Route and Toxicokinetics. Toxicol Sci 2016; 154:183-193. [PMID: 27521082 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae have been suggested as vertebrate model to complement or even replace mammals for rapidly assessing behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Yet, divergent responses have been reported in mammals and fish despite the conservation of many drug targets. Cocaine, eg, acts as stimulant in mammals but no such response has been documented for zebrafish larvae. We hypothesized that differences in exposure routes (inhalation or injection in mammals vs waterborne in fish) may be a reason for differences in behavioral responses. We characterized cocaine toxicokinetics by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and found its rapid uptake into larvae. We used Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry imaging for the first time to characterize internal distribution of cocaine in zebrafish larvae. Surprisingly, eyes accumulated the highest amount of cocaine and retained most of it even after 48 h depuration. We attribute this to trapping by pigment melanin, a thus far little explored mechanism that may also be relevant for other basic drugs. Cocaine also reached the brain but with levels similar to those in trunk indicating simple passive diffusion as means of distribution which was supported by toxicokinetic models. Although brain levels covered those known to cause hyperactivity in mammals, only hypoactivity (decreased locomotion) was recorded in zebrafish larvae. Our results therefore point to cocaine's anesthetic properties as the dominant mechanism of interaction in the fish: upon entry through the fish skin and gills, it first acts on peripheral nerves rapidly overriding any potential stimulatory response in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Tulasi Kirla
- *Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, 8600, Switzerland
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, 8600, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- *Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Michael Poetzsch
- *Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Rakesh Kumar Banote
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Gothenburg, S-41345, Sweden
| | - Julita Stadnicka-Michalak
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, 8600, Switzerland
- EPFL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Rik I L Eggen
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, 8600, Switzerland
- ETHZ, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Kristin Schirmer
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, 8600, Switzerland
- EPFL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- ETHZ, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- *Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
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McCall AK, Bade R, Kinyua J, Lai FY, Thai PK, Covaci A, Bijlsma L, van Nuijs ALN, Ort C. Critical review on the stability of illicit drugs in sewers and wastewater samples. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 88:933-947. [PMID: 26618807 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) applies advanced analytical methods to quantify drug residues in wastewater with the aim to estimate illicit drug use at the population level. Transformation processes during transport in sewers (chemical and biological reactors) and storage of wastewater samples before analysis are expected to change concentrations of different drugs to varying degrees. Ignoring transformation for drugs with low to medium stability will lead to an unknown degree of systematic under- or overestimation of drug use, which should be avoided. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge related to the stability of commonly investigated drugs and, furthermore, suggest a more effective approach to future experiments. From over 100 WBE studies, around 50 mentioned the importance of stability and 24 included tests in wastewater. Most focused on in-sample stability (i.e., sample preparation, preservation and storage) and some extrapolated to in-sewer stability (i.e., during transport in real sewers). While consistent results were reported for rather stable compounds (e.g., MDMA and methamphetamine), a varying range of stability under different or similar conditions was observed for other compounds (e.g., cocaine, amphetamine and morphine). Wastewater composition can vary considerably over time, and different conditions prevail in different sewer systems. In summary, this indicates that more systematic studies are needed to: i) cover the range of possible conditions in sewers and ii) compare results more objectively. To facilitate the latter, we propose a set of parameters that should be reported for in-sewer stability experiments. Finally, a best practice of sample collection, preservation, and preparation before analysis is suggested in order to minimize transformation during these steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin McCall
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, CH 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Richard Bade
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Juliet Kinyua
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Foon Yin Lai
- The University of Queensland, The National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), 39 Kessels Rd., Coopers Plains, Brisbane, QLD 4108, Australia
| | - Phong K Thai
- The University of Queensland, The National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), 39 Kessels Rd., Coopers Plains, Brisbane, QLD 4108, Australia; Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality & Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lubertus Bijlsma
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Alexander L N van Nuijs
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christoph Ort
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, CH 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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19
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In vitro stability of free and glucuronidated cannabinoids in blood and plasma collected in plastic gray-top sodium fluoride tubes following controlled smoked cannabis. Forensic Toxicol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-015-0290-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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20
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Guollo F, Narciso-Schiavon JL, Barotto AM, Zannin M, Schiavon LL. Significance of alanine aminotransferase levels in patients admitted for cocaine intoxication. J Clin Gastroenterol 2015; 49:250-5. [PMID: 24518798 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental studies in animal models and case reports in humans have described the hepatotoxic potential of cocaine. However, there are few data regarding the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients admitted for cocaine intoxication, particularly regarding the status of the liver enzymes. GOAL To investigate the significance of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in individuals hospitalized for acute cocaine intoxication. METHODS Retrospective study with standardized chart review that included patients admitted between January 2003 and December 2010. Bivariate analyses were used to investigate factors associated with ALT above the upper tertile according to gender. Cases of marked ALT elevation were described in detail. RESULTS Ninety-three patients were included (79% men, mean age of 27.73±9.97 y). ALT above the upper tertile was associated with higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, and international normalized ratio. Higher levels of ALT were also related to acute renal failure and death. Five subjects had severe ALT elevation during follow-up and all had evidence of hepatocellular dysfunction (jaundice, prolonged prothrombin time with or without hepatic encephalopathy), rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure. AST/ALT ratio <2 was present in 2 subjects with severe ALT elevation at admission, but AST/ALT ratio >2 was observed in 3 cases with evidence of progression to acute liver injury. CONCLUSIONS In acute cocaine intoxication, higher ALT levels were associated with evidence of muscle damage, progression to acute renal failure, and death. Severe liver damage was observed in 5% of the sample and was associated with rhabdomyolysis and renal failure in all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Guollo
- *Division of Gastroenterology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis †Center for Toxicological Information of Santa Catarina (CIT/SC), SC, Brazil
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Marasco CC, Enders JR, Seale KT, McLean JA, Wikswo JP. Real-time cellular exometabolome analysis with a microfluidic-mass spectrometry platform. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117685. [PMID: 25723555 PMCID: PMC4344306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To address the challenges of tracking the multitude of signaling molecules and metabolites that is the basis of biological complexity, we describe a strategy to expand the analytical techniques for dynamic systems biology. Using microfluidics, online desalting, and mass spectrometry technologies, we constructed and validated a platform well suited for sampling the cellular microenvironment with high temporal resolution. Our platform achieves success in: automated cellular stimulation and microenvironment control; reduced non-specific adsorption to polydimethylsiloxane due to surface passivation; real-time online sample collection; near real-time sample preparation for salt removal; and real-time online mass spectrometry. When compared against the benchmark of "in-culture" experiments combined with ultraperformance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-ion mobility-mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-IM-MS), our platform alleviates the volume challenge issues caused by dilution of autocrine and paracrine signaling and dramatically reduces sample preparation and data collection time, while reducing undesirable external influence from various manual methods of manipulating cells and media (e.g., cell centrifugation). To validate this system biologically, we focused on cellular responses of Jurkat T cells to microenvironmental stimuli. Application of these stimuli, in conjunction with the cell's metabolic processes, results in changes in consumption of nutrients and secretion of biomolecules (collectively, the exometabolome), which enable communication with other cells or tissues and elimination of waste. Naïve and experienced T-cell metabolism of cocaine is used as an exemplary system to confirm the platform's capability, highlight its potential for metabolite discovery applications, and explore immunological memory of T-cell drug exposure. Our platform proved capable of detecting metabolomic variations between naïve and experienced Jurkat T cells and highlights the dynamics of the exometabolome over time. Upregulation of the cocaine metabolite, benzoylecgonine, was noted in experienced T cells, indicating potential cellular memory of cocaine exposure. These metabolomics distinctions were absent from the analogous, traditional "in-culture" UPLC-ESI-IM-MS experiment, further demonstrating this platform's capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina C. Marasco
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey R. Enders
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Kevin T. Seale
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - John A. McLean
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - John P. Wikswo
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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22
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Pharmacokinetic interactions between ethanol and heroin: A study on post-mortem cases. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 242:127-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Norman AB, Gooden FCT, Tabet MR, Ball WJ. A recombinant humanized anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody inhibits the distribution of cocaine to the brain in rats. Drug Metab Dispos 2014; 42:1125-31. [PMID: 24733787 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.114.057034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The monoclonal antibody (mAb), h2E2, is a humanized version of the chimeric human/murine anti-cocaine mAb 2E2. The recombinant h2E2 protein was produced in vitro from a transfected mammalian cell line and retained high affinity (4 nM Kd) and specificity for cocaine over its inactive metabolites benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester. In rats, pharmacokinetic studies of h2E2 (120 mg/kg i.v.) showed a long terminal elimination half-life of 9.0 days and a low volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) of 0.3 l/kg. Pretreatment with h2E2 produced a dramatic 8.8-fold increase in the area under the plasma cocaine concentration-time curve (AUC) and in brain a concomitant decrease of 68% of cocaine's AUC following an i.v. injection of an equimolar cocaine dose. Sequestration of cocaine in plasma by h2E2, shown via reduction of cocaine's Vdss, indicates potential clinical efficacy. Although the binding of cocaine to h2E2 in plasma should inhibit distribution and metabolism, the elimination of cocaine remained multicompartmental and was still rapidly eliminated from plasma despite the presence of h2E2. BE was the major cocaine metabolite, and brain BE concentrations were sixfold higher than in plasma, indicating that cocaine is normally metabolized in the brain. In the presence of h2E2, brain BE concentrations were decreased and plasma BE was increased, consistent with the observed h2E2-induced changes in cocaine disposition. The inhibition of cocaine distribution to the brain confirms the humanized mAb, h2E2, as a lead candidate for development as an immunotherapy for cocaine abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Norman
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Felicia C T Gooden
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Michael R Tabet
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - William J Ball
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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24
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Ort C, Eppler JM, Scheidegger A, Rieckermann J, Kinzig M, Sörgel F. Challenges of surveying wastewater drug loads of small populations and generalizable aspects on optimizing monitoring design. Addiction 2014; 109:472-81. [PMID: 24325468 DOI: 10.1111/add.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Quantifying illicit drug loads through wastewater analysis (WWA) is an alternative approach to estimating population drug use. This study investigated the variability of daily drug loads in wastewater and their relationships to environmental factors over an extended period to: (i) explore the suitability of WWA in small populations and (ii) optimize the monitoring design for future studies. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Daily wastewater samples (n = 1369 consecutive days) from a German village with approximately 7160 inhabitants. MEASUREMENTS Samples were analysed for cocaine and benzoylecgonine with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Time-series analysis was used to explore the effects of weather and other factors on daily cocaine loads. Subsampling was used to assess monitoring design. FINDINGS Cocaine loads [mean = 652 mgCOC /day, standard deviation (SD) = 498 mgCOC /day] increased over the study period, with higher values during winter and spring. Despite high day-to-day variation, loads were significantly higher during weekends [+161 mgCOC /day, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 115-207 mgCOC /day, P < 10(-4) ] and days with frost (+114 mgCOC /day, 95% CI = 6-223 mgCOC /day, P = 0.039) or snow (+150 mgCOC /day, 95% CI = 46-253 mgCOC /day, P = 0.005). Annual means estimated from 1-week periods were subject to approximately 60% relative error. Increasing sample size and changing sampling from consecutive days to stratified random decreased this uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS Day-to-day variation and seasonality of drug loads from the few long-term wastewater studies available to date suggest that up to 56 stratified random samples are required to obtain reliable (expected uncertainty around 10%) annual estimates of drug loads. Successfully assessing changes in consumption patterns or relationships to external factors requires larger sample sizes than estimating annual means, which holds true for high-prevalence drugs in small communities and low-prevalence drugs in big cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Ort
- Urban Water Management, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
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25
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Bruce RD, Altice FL, Friedland GH. Pharmacokinetic drug interactions between drugs of abuse and antiretroviral medications: implications and management for clinical practice. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2014; 1:115-27. [PMID: 24410515 DOI: 10.1586/17512433.1.1.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Substance abuse and HIV/AIDS are two of the most serious, yet treatable diseases worldwide. Global access to HIV treatment continues to expand. In settings where both active illicit drug use and HIV treatment are concurrent, potentional problematic pharmacokinetic drug interactions may arise and complicate therapy. Clinical case series and carefully controlled pharmacokinetic interaction studies have been conducted between only a few drugs of abuse and approved antiretroviral therapies. Important pharmacokinetic drug interactions have been described for benzodiazepines, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methadone and buprenorphine; however, most have not been studied and few well-controlled studies have been conducted to adequately address the clinical implications of these interactions. The metabolism of drugs of abuse, description of the known interactions, and clinical implications and management of these interactions are reviewed. Certain interactions between drugs of abuse and antiretroviral therapies are known and others are likely based upon shared metabolic pathways. These may result in important clinical consequences. To optimize care, clinicians must be alert, knowledgeable about known and possible interactions and equipped to clinically manage the medical consequences. Moreover, there is considerable need for carefully controlled studies in this important and emerging area.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Douglas Bruce
- Yale University AIDS Program, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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26
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Abstract
Cocaine abuse is an ongoing and serious problem that has led to the growth of a brutal criminal enterprise, particularly in the Americas and Europe. At present, there are no effective pharmacological agents available to treat the addiction by blocking cocaine or reversing its effects. In order to help motivated addicts conquer their addiction, vaccines against cocaine are being developed and one has progressed to clinical trials. This article will discuss the concept of antidrug vaccines in general, the successes and limitations of the various anti-cocaine vaccine approaches, the results of the clinical trials with an anti-cocaine vaccine and some new vaccine-mediated approaches to combat cocaine addiction.
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27
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Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Carvalho F, Duarte JA, Remião F, Marques A, Santos A, Magalhães T. Collection of biological samples in forensic toxicology. Toxicol Mech Methods 2010; 20:363-414. [PMID: 20615091 DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2010.497976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Forensic toxicology is the study and practice of the application of toxicology to the purposes of the law. The relevance of any finding is determined, in the first instance, by the nature and integrity of the specimen(s) submitted for analysis. This means that there are several specific challenges to select and collect specimens for ante-mortem and post-mortem toxicology investigation. Post-mortem specimens may be numerous and can endow some special difficulties compared to clinical specimens, namely those resulting from autolytic and putrefactive changes. Storage stability is also an important issue to be considered during the pre-analytic phase, since its consideration should facilitate the assessment of sample quality and the analytical result obtained from that sample. The knowledge on degradation mechanisms and methods to increase storage stability may enable the forensic toxicologist to circumvent possible difficulties. Therefore, advantages and limitations of specimen preservation procedures are thoroughfully discussed in this review. Presently, harmonized protocols for sampling in suspected intoxications would have obvious utility. In the present article an overview is given on sampling procedures for routinely collected specimens as well as on alternative specimens that may provide additional information on the route and timing of exposure to a specific xenobiotic. Last, but not least, a discussion on possible bias that can influence the interpretation of toxicological results is provided. This comprehensive review article is intented as a significant help for forensic toxicologists to accomplish their frequently overwhelming mission.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Dinis-Oliveira
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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28
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Norman AB, Norman MK, Tabet MR, Tsibulsky VL, Pesce AJ. Competitive dopamine receptor antagonists increase the equiactive cocaine concentration during self-administration. Synapse 2010; 65:404-11. [PMID: 20812328 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Competitive dopamine receptor antagonists increase the rate of cocaine self-administration. As the rate of self-administration at a particular unit dose is determined by the satiety threshold and the elimination half-life (t(½)) of cocaine, we investigated whether dopamine receptor antagonists altered these parameters in rats. The plasma cocaine concentration at the time of each self-administration was constant during a session demonstrating that this satiety threshold concentration represents an equiactive cocaine concentration. The plasma cocaine concentration at the time of self-administration was increased by SCH23390, consistent with pharmacological theory. In rats trained to reliably self-administer cocaine, SCH23390 had no effect on the plasma steady-state cocaine concentration produced by constant infusions of cocaine. Therefore, this antagonist had no effect on cocaine t(½) at a dose that accelerated cocaine self-administration. A constant cocaine infusion at a rate that maintained steady state concentrations above the satiety threshold stopped self-administration. SCH23390, or the D₂ dopamine receptor antagonist (-)eticlopride, reinstated self-administration in the presence of the constant cocaine infusion. This is consistent with SCH23390 and eticlopride raising the satiety threshold above the steady state level produced by the constant cocaine infusion. It is concluded that the antagonist-induced acceleration of cocaine self-administration is the result of a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic interaction whereby the rate of cocaine elimination is faster at the higher concentrations, as dictated by first-order kinetics, so that cocaine levels decline more rapidly to the elevated satiety threshold. This results in the decreased interinjection intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Norman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0583, USA.
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29
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Favrod-Coune T, Broers B. The Health Effect of Psychostimulants: A Literature Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:2333-2361. [PMID: 27713356 PMCID: PMC4036656 DOI: 10.3390/ph3072333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 07/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of psychostimulant use is high, and raising in several countries. Nicotine is the legal stimulant causing the most important public health impact. Cocaine ranks among the most used illicit substances after cannabis. Stimulant medications are frequently misused. Psychostimulants can lead to addiction, have physical, psychological and social health consequences and can induce a great disease burden. The aim of the present article is to provide a literature review on the health effects of stimulants as potential drugs of abuse. It will cover essentially cocaine, amphetamines and its derivatives (including methamphetamines and 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ecstasy), nicotine, caffeine and khat, and touch upon the issues of prescribed substances (anti-depressants, weight control medications, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder medications, hypersomniac disorder). Their pharmacology, addictive potential, health consequences and treatment will be discussed. We used Medline for the literature review from 1990 to the date of this review, and mention the findings of human and animal studies (the latter only if they are of clinical relevance).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Favrod-Coune
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals 4, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil,1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
| | - Barbara Broers
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals 4, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil,1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
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30
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Mari F, Politi L, Bertol E. Nails of newborns in monitoring drug exposure during pregnancy. Forensic Sci Int 2008; 179:176-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2008] [Revised: 05/27/2008] [Accepted: 06/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Cocaine, already a significant drug problem in North and South America, has become a more prominent part of the European drug scene. Cocaine dependence has major somatic, psychological, psychiatric, socio-economic, and legal implications. No specific effective pharmacological treatment exists for cocaine dependence. Recent advances in neurobiology have identified various neuronal mechanisms implicated in cocaine addiction and suggested several promising pharmacological approaches. Data were obtained from Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO searches of English-language articles published between 1985 and June 2007 using the key words: cocaine, addiction, cocaine dependence, clinical trials, pharmacotherapy(ies) singly and in combination. Large well-controlled studies with appropriate statistical methods were preferred. Pharmacological agents such as GABA agents (topiramate, tiagabine, baclofen and vigabatrin) and agonist replacement agents (modafinil, disulfiram, methylphenidate) seem to be the most promising in treatment of cocaine dependence. The results from trials of first- and second-generation neuroleptics are largely negative. Aripiprazole, a partial dopaminergic agonist that may modulate the serotonergic system, shows some promise. Preliminary results of human studies with anti-cocaine vaccine, N-acetylcysteine, and ondansetron, are promising, as are several compounds in preclinical development. While no medication has received regulatory approval for the treatment of cocaine dependence, several medications marketed for other indications have shown efficacy in clinical trials. An anti-cocaine vaccine and several compounds in preclinical development have also shown promise. Findings from early clinical trials must be confirmed in larger, less selective patient populations.
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32
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Heard K, Palmer R, Zahniser NR. Mechanisms of acute cocaine toxicity. THE OPEN PHARMACOLOGY JOURNAL 2008; 2:70-78. [PMID: 19568322 PMCID: PMC2703432 DOI: 10.2174/1874143600802010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2008] [Revised: 07/07/2008] [Accepted: 07/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Patients with acute cocaine poisoning present with life-threatening symptoms involving several organ systems. While the effects of cocaine are myriad, they are the result of a limited number of cocaine-protein interactions, including monoamine transporters, neurotransmitter receptors and voltage-gated ion channels. These primary interactions trigger a cascade of events that ultimately produce the clinical effects. The purpose of this article is to review the primary interactions of cocaine and the effects that these interactions trigger. We also describe the progression of symptoms observed in cocaine poisoning as they relate to serum cocaine concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennon Heard
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health
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33
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Analysis of cocaine and its principal metabolites in waste and surface water using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography–ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2007; 391:1309-19. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-007-1754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2007] [Revised: 11/11/2007] [Accepted: 11/13/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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34
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Norman AB, Tabet MR, Norman MK, Buesing WR, Pesce AJ, Ball WJ. A chimeric human/murine anticocaine monoclonal antibody inhibits the distribution of cocaine to the brain in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006; 320:145-53. [PMID: 17023573 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.111781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The predominantly human sequence, high-affinity anticocaine monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2E2 was cleared slowly from mouse blood by a first-order process with an elimination t(1/2) of 8.1 days. Infused 2E2 also produced a dramatic dose-dependent increase in plasma cocaine concentrations and a concomitant decrease in the brain cocaine concentrations produced by an i.v. injection of cocaine HCl (0.56 mg/kg). At the highest dose of 2E2 tested (3:1, mAb/drug), cocaine was not detectable in the brain. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that the normal disappearance of cocaine from plasma was described by a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model with distribution t(1/2alpha) and terminal elimination t(1/2beta) values of 1.9 and 26.1 min, respectively. In the presence of an equimolar dose of mAb 2E2, there was a 26-fold increase in the area under the plasma cocaine concentration-time curve (AUC) relative to the AUC in the absence of 2E2. Consequently, 2E2 decreased the volume of distribution of cocaine from 6.0 to 0.20 l/kg, which approximated that of 2E2 (0.28 l/kg). However, cocaine was still rapidly cleared from plasma, and its elimination was now described by a single-compartment model with an elimination t(1/2) of 17 min. Importantly, 2E2 also produced a 4.5-fold (78%) decrease in the cocaine AUC in the brain. Therefore, the effect of 2E2 on plasma and brain cocaine concentrations was predominantly caused by a change in the distribution of cocaine with negligible effects on its rate of clearance. These data support the concept of immunotherapy for drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Norman
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0559, USA.
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35
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Donovan JL, DeVane CL, Malcolm RJ, Mojsiak J, Chiang CN, Elkashef A, Taylor RM. Modafinil influences the pharmacokinetics of intravenous cocaine in healthy cocaine-dependent volunteers. Clin Pharmacokinet 2006; 44:753-65. [PMID: 15966757 DOI: 10.2165/00003088-200544070-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if modafinil, a putative treatment for cocaine dependence, influences the pharmacokinetics of intravenous cocaine in otherwise healthy cocaine-dependent volunteers. METHODS Cocaine 20 or 40 mg was administered intravenously on consecutive days over 1 minute at baseline and after modafinil administration at each of two dosages of 400 and 800 mg/day for 7 days. RESULTS Twelve subjects completed the clinical protocol. Compared with baseline, the cocaine peak plasma concentration was decreased after both the 20 and 40 mg cocaine infusions, but the reduction was only statistically significant after the 40 mg cocaine infusion (p < 0.01 after modafinil 400 mg/day; p < 0.05 after modafinil 800 mg/day). The area under the cocaine plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 180 minutes (AUC180) was significantly decreased by modafinil administration (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 for modafinil 400 and 800 mg/day, respectively, for the cocaine 20mg dose; p < 0.001 for the cocaine 40 mg dose at both modafinil levels). There were no significant changes in total AUC, clearance or elimination half-life of cocaine. CONCLUSION This study did not find evidence for a harmful pharmacokinetic interaction between modafinil and cocaine. In contrast, long-term administration of modafinil significantly decreased systemic exposure to cocaine during the first 180 minutes following intravenous cocaine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Donovan
- Laboratory of Drug Disposition and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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36
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Carmona GN, Schindler CW, Greig NH, Holloway HW, Jufer RA, Cone EJ, Gorelick DA. Intravenous butyrylcholinesterase administration and plasma and brain levels of cocaine and metabolites in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2005; 517:186-90. [PMID: 15967428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2005.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2004] [Revised: 05/10/2005] [Accepted: 05/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Butyrylcholinesterase is a major cocaine-metabolizing enzyme in humans and other primates, catalyzing hydrolysis to ecgonine methylester. Increasing butyrylcholinesterase activity may be a treatment for cocaine addiction. We evaluated the effect of 30-min pretreatment with horse-derived butyrylcholinesterase (5-15,000 U i.v.) or with the selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor cymserine (10 mg/kg i.v.) on the metabolism of cocaine (17 mg/kg i.p.) in anesthetized rats. Venous blood samples were collected for two hours after cocaine administration and later assayed for cocaine and metabolites by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Whole brains were collected after the last blood sample and similarly assayed. Butyrylcholinesterase significantly increased plasma and brain ecgonine methylester levels and decreased cocaine plasma half-life from 26.2 min (saline) to 16.4 min (15,000 U). Butyrylcholinesterase had no significant effect on plasma or brain cocaine or benzoylecgonine levels. Cymserine had no effect on any variable. These findings suggest that butyrylcholinesterase treatment may have benefits in enhancing cocaine metabolism and in increasing levels of ecgonine methylester, which may have a protective action against cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto N Carmona
- Intramural Research Programs, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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37
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The completion of the human genome sequence has spurred investigation of the genetic contribution to substance dependence. In this article some of the recent scientific evidence for genetic determinants of opioid and cocaine dependence is reviewed. METHOD An electronic search of the medical literature was conducted to locate published studies relevant to the genetics of opioid and cocaine dependence. The collected information judged to be most pertinent is described and discussed. RESULTS Genetic epidemiologic studies support a high degree of heritable vulnerability for both opioid and cocaine dependence. Polymorphisms in the genes coding for dopamine receptors and transporter, opioid receptors, endogenous opioid peptides, cannabinoid receptors, and serotonin receptors and transporter all appear to be associated with the phenotypic expression of this vulnerability once opioids or cocaine are consumed. CONCLUSIONS Despite this initial progress, identification of specific genes and quantification of associated risk for the expression of each gene remain to be elucidated. While alteration of an individual's genome to change the phenotype seems remote, future interventions for treatment of opioid and cocaine dependence may include precise medications targeted to block the effects of proteins that have been identified through genetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Saxon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington School of Medicine; Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
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38
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Norman AB, Buesing WR, Norman MK, Tabet MR, Tsibulsky VL. The self-administration of WIN 35,428 and cocaine: comparisons of satiety threshold and elimination half-life in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2004; 483:281-7. [PMID: 14729118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2003.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Rats that self-administered cocaine at unit doses between 0.75 and 12 micromol/kg with mean inter-injection intervals between approximately 2 and 18 min also reliably self-administered the cocaine analogue WIN 35,428 (beta-CFT; (-)-3 beta-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane-2 beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester) at unit doses between 0.1 and 1.6 micromol/kg with mean intervals between 10 and 116 min. The long inter-injection intervals of WIN 35,428 necessitated sessions of more than 12 h. The inter-injection intervals were regular and proportional to the unit dose, consistent with the satiety threshold model. Analysis of the mean intervals as a function of unit doses generated values for the mean satiety threshold of cocaine and WIN 35,428 of 6.10 and 0.87 micromol/kg, respectively. The mean t(1/2) for cocaine and WIN 35,428 were 11.1 and 69.4 min, respectively. The approximately 43-fold lower rate of consumption of WIN 35,428 relative to cocaine was a product of the seven-fold greater pharmacodynamic potency and the six-fold greater pharmacokinetic potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0559, USA.
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39
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Toennes SW, Thiel M, Walther M, Kauert GF. Studies on metabolic pathways of cocaine and its metabolites using microsome preparations from rat organs. Chem Res Toxicol 2003; 16:375-81. [PMID: 12641438 DOI: 10.1021/tx025580n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine metabolism has been studied previously with respect to the formation of predominant hydrolytic or hepatotoxic metabolites via oxidative pathways. In the present study, cocaine and eight of its metabolites (norcocaine, ecgonine methyl ester, benzoylecgonine, benzoylnorecgonine, 3-hydroxy-benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, norcocaethylene, and ecgonine ethyl ester) were incubated with microsomes from rat liver, kidney, lung, and brain. Qualitative analysis of the metabolites produced was performed using solid phase extraction (SPE), trimethylsilylation, and GC/MS. It was found that the metabolites with a free carboxylic group (e.g., benzoylecgonine) were not further oxidized by microsomal enzymes and their presence in urine or blood may therefore be due to hydrolysis of the respective alkylated entities. Although microsomes from all organs exhibited oxidative metabolism, significant differences were noted. Kidney microsomes produced essentially the same results as liver, but aryl hydroxylated metabolites were not found in incubations with lung and brain microsomes. N-Hydroxy-norcocaine was found only in traces with brain microsomes. It appears that cocaine is converted to N-hydroxy-norcocaine (which is the precursor of toxic metabolites) not only in the liver but also in other organs of rat. This might be relevant in the development of lung toxicity observed in smokers of cocaine ("crack").
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan W Toennes
- Institute of Forensic Toxicology, Center of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt/Main, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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40
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Abstract
Publications focusing on the analysis of postmortem specimens for the presence of drugs were reviewed with particular reference to systematic toxicological analysis. Specimens included blood, liver, other solid specimens, and fly larvae. Extraction techniques published during the past 10 years most commonly used traditional solvent extraction techniques. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to multichannel wavelength detection was most commonly used, which would easily lend itself to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. There were few practical differences in the assays validated for a range of postmortem specimens to those in other forms of forensic toxicology, unless substantially decomposed tissue was used. When putrefied specimens were analyzed, a back-extraction or other form of specimen cleanup was recommended to reduce interfering substances. Many immunoassays designed for urine have been adapted for use in blood and tissue homogenates. Immunoassays designed for blood analysis, however, are likely to have more useful cutoff values than immunoassays optimized for urine testing. Postmortem specimens provide less stability for a number of drugs than other types of specimens. This is particularly a problem for cocaine, heroin, and some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. A number of artifacts occur postmortem, which affects the concentration of drug in specimens. This includes postmortem redistribution for drugs with a high tissue concentration relative to blood. Consequently, the likely extent of any change in concentration is relevant to the interpretation of doses and drug effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf H Drummer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 57-83 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Melbourne, Australia 3006.
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41
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Rofael HZ, Abdel-Rahman MS. Development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of cocaine, its metabolites and ketamine. J Appl Toxicol 2002; 22:123-8. [PMID: 11920937 DOI: 10.1002/jat.837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine abuse is an extensive problem in the USA. During the past decade, ketamine abuse also has emerged as a public health concern and is now considered a controlled substance. The prevalence of the simultaneous use of cocaine and ketamine has been shown to be high. Previous research indicates that ketamine affects the enzymes that metabolize cocaine. In order to investigate this pharmacokinetic interaction, it was necessary to identify and quantitate each compound. The aim of this study is to develop a method of detecting and resolving cocaine, its metabolites and ketamine. A new precise, accurate and sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method has been developed and validated. This assay employed a phosphate-buffered aqueous mobile phase (pH 6.9) with an organic component consisting of acetonitrile and methanol and a C-18 column as stationary phase at 225 nm wavelength. Minimum detection limits were 5 ng ml(-1) for cocaine and 10 ng ml(-1) for benzoylecgonine, norcocaine and ketamine. Linearity was demonstrated over a broad range of concentration in plasma, with good sensitivity for ketamine, cocaine and cocaine metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Z Rofael
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103-2714, USA
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42
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Schindler CW, Zheng JW, Goldberg SR. Effects of cocaine and cocaine metabolites on cardiovascular function in squirrel monkeys. Eur J Pharmacol 2001; 431:53-9. [PMID: 11716843 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(01)01406-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The effects of cocaine and the cocaine metabolites norcocaine, ecgonine methyl ester, benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene were evaluated in conscious squirrel monkeys for their effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Norcocaine, ecgonine methyl ester and benzoylecgonine are produced in vivo following cocaine use. Cocaethylene is produced in vivo following concurrent cocaine and alcohol use. Increases in both blood pressure and heart rate were observed following cocaine doses of 0.3-3.0 mg/kg. Ecgonine methyl ester and benzoylecgonine had no effect on either parameter up to doses of 10.0 mg/kg. Norcocaine increased blood pressure, but was less potent than cocaine. Norcocaine did not affect heart rate at doses up to 3.0 mg/kg. In contrast to the other metabolites, cocaethylene increased blood pressure and heart rate similarly to cocaine. These results suggest that ecgonine methyl ester and benzoylecgonine are devoid of cardiovascular effects at doses comparable to cocaine and would not be expected to contribute to cocaine's overall cardiovascular effects. Norcocaine's effect on blood pressure might contribute to the cardiovascular effects of cocaine, but this metabolite is produced only at low levels in vivo. The one metabolite that might be expected to contribute to cocaine's overall cardiovascular effect is cocaethylene, although the degree of this contribution is not clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Schindler
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 5500 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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43
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Quiñones-Jenab V, Perrotti LI, Fabian SJ, Chin J, Russo SJ, Jenab S. Endocrinological basis of sex differences in cocaine-induced behavioral responses. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 937:140-71. [PMID: 11458535 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb03563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Currently, 1.8 million Americans use cocaine, 30% of whom are females. Sex differences in the pattern of cocaine abuse may reside in neuroendocrinological modulations that affect the use of and/or dependence on cocaine. This review discusses sex differences in cocaine-induced behavioral and molecular alterations in the central nervous system, with emphasis on the role of endocrine responses in the neuronal modulations of this drug. Mechanisms and data supporting the role of the hypothalamic-gonadal axis in the modulation of cocaine-induced behavioral and molecular alterations are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Quiñones-Jenab
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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44
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Skopp G, Klingmann A, Pötsch L, Mattern R. In vitro stability of cocaine in whole blood and plasma including ecgonine as a target analyte. Ther Drug Monit 2001; 23:174-81. [PMID: 11294520 DOI: 10.1097/00007691-200104000-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro stability of cocaine (COC) was monitored in fresh whole blood and plasma stabilized with potassium fluoride (0.25%) for as long as 15 days. The samples were stored at 4 degreesC, 20 degreesC and 40 degreesC. Additionally, fresh plasma samples containing either benzoylecgonine (BZE), ecgonine methyl ester (EME) or ecgonine (ECG) were stored at 4 degreesC and 20 degreesC. Data were established using subsequent solid-phase extraction procedures and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry for isolation and quantitation of COC, BZE, EME, and ECG. COC, BZE, and EME concentrations decreased with increasing storage temperature and time after an apparent first-order reaction kinetic. Only ECG appeared to be stable at storage temperatures as high as 20 degreesC for the entire observation period. At 40 degreesC, the amount of ECG produced from hydrolysis of COC still totalled 80% of the initial COC concentration. Hydrolysis of COC to EME occurred more rapidly in plasma than in blood. The dynamic degradation profiles obtained were dependent on the storage temperature. The conversion of COC to BZE, EME, and ECG appeared to be stoichiometric at all time intervals at storage temperatures of 4 degreesC and 20 degreesC. The presence of any hydrolysis product of COC in blood or plasma constitutes confirmatory evidence of COC incorporation, and determination of ECG seems most promising even in samples stored under unfavorable conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Skopp
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Ruprecht-Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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45
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Abstract
Male Swiss Webster mice maintained cocaine self-administration in a regular and dose-dependent manner. These characteristics made it possible to apply the satiety threshold model of drug self-administration developed recently for cocaine self-administration in rats. Non-linear regression analysis revealed that cocaine satiety threshold was 1.3 +/- 0.6 mg/kg and the functional half-life of the cocaine was 8.1 +/- 2.2 min. Whether the self-administration of cocaine was maintained by lever presses or nose pokes did not influence the inter-injection intervals. The results are consistent with the pharmacological model of maintained cocaine self-administration. The ability to determine addiction-relevant phenotypes (the satiety threshold and functional half-life of cocaine) in inbred strains of mice may help to identify the genetic determinants of cocaine self-administration behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- V L Tsibulsky
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH 45267, USA
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46
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Scheidweiler KB, Shojaie J, Plessinger MA, Wood RW, Kwong TC. Stability of Methylecgonidine and Ecgonidine in Sheep Plasma in Vitro. Clin Chem 2000. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/46.11.1787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Crack smokers are exposed to a pyrolysis product, methylecgonidine (MEG), which can be used as an analytical marker for crack smoking. Ecgonidine (EC), a hydrolytic product of MEG, has been identified in urine of crack smokers. MEG undergoes conversion to EC, complicating analysis and perhaps explaining a lack of forensic blood specimens containing MEG.
Methods: We developed gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) assays for MEG and EC. Plasma was collected from sheep blood containing 0, 0.06, or 0.24 mol/L (0%, 0.25%, or 1%) NaF. MEG was added to these plasmas, and they were incubated at −80, 1, 21, or 37 °C to determine whether there were temporal, temperature, or storage effects on MEG stability over 48 h.
Results: Decreased temperature and increased NaF concentrations limited MEG degradation and EC formation. MEG stored in plasma at −80 °C was stable up to 1 month, even in the absence of NaF.
Conclusions: MEG is stable in sheep plasma collected in commercially available, evacuated blood-collection tubes containing NaF and stored at −80 °C. In vitro formation of EC can be minimized with appropriate sample handling, and its in vivo formation may provide a better marker of crack smoking than its parent pyrolysis product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl B Scheidweiler
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
| | - Jalil Shojaie
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Mark A Plessinger
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Ronald W Wood
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Tai C Kwong
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
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