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Nadal-Gratacós N, Pazos MD, Pubill D, Camarasa J, Escubedo E, Berzosa X, López-Arnau R. Structure-Activity Relationship of Synthetic Cathinones: An Updated Review. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:2588-2603. [PMID: 39296271 PMCID: PMC11406692 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) poses a significant public health challenge, evidenced by the vast chemical diversity, with over 500 substances reported annually to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime-Early Warning Advisory (UNODC-EWA) in the past five years. Among NPSs, synthetic cathinones are gaining a lot of popularity among users. Notably, synthetic cathinones accounted for approximately 50% of the total quantity of NPSs reported as seized by EU Member States in 2021. Preliminary data from UNODC indicates that a total of 209 synthetic cathinones have been reported to date. As their popularity grows, studying the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of synthetic cathinones is essential. SAR studies elucidate how structural features impact biological effects, aiding in toxicity prediction, regulatory compliance, and forensic identification. Additionally, SAR studies play a pivotal role in guiding drug policies, aiding authorities in categorizing and regulating newly emerging synthetic cathinones, mitigate public health risks and offer valuable insights into potential therapeutic applications. Thus, our Review consolidates recent findings on the effects of different substitutions in the chemical scaffold of synthetic cathinones on their mechanism of action as well as pharmacological and toxicological effects of synthetic cathinones, thus enhancing understanding of the SAR of synthetic cathinones' pharmacology and potential implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Nadal-Gratacós
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Chemical Reactions for Innovative Solutions (CRISOL), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martalu D Pazos
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Berzosa
- Chemical Reactions for Innovative Solutions (CRISOL), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Alsufyani HA. The stimulant cathine from Khat causes tachycardia indirectly in the rat. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 135:345-352. [PMID: 39034439 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.14057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Leaves of the Khat plant are widely consumed in the Horn of Africa, Yemen and the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. I have investigated the mode of cardiovascular and autonomic actions of the stimulant cathine from Khat in terms of direct or indirect adrenergic actions in anaesthetised male and female rats, and in isolated tissues. Male and female rats were anaesthetised with pentobarbitone and changes in diastolic blood pressure and cardioaccelerator responses were examined in vehicle-treated or chemically sympathectomised rats. Cathine produced marked tachycardia and smaller blood pressure responses in vehicle-treated animals, with significant rises in heart rate occurring at cathine (0.1 mg/kg). In sympathectomised rats, cardiac actions were greatly attenuated in both male and female animals, with no differences between male and female rats. Although pressor responses to cathine were relatively small, sympathectomy significantly reduced these responses in female, but not male, rats. In rat aorta and spleen, cathine produced almost no direct contractions. It is concluded that cathine acts predominantly indirectly, presumably by the release of noradrenaline, in both male and female rats to produce cardiovascular actions. This may have implications for adverse cardiovascular actions of consumption of the plant Khat, particularly with dried Khat, in which actions of cathine may predominate over those of cathinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel A Alsufyani
- Department of Clinical Physiology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Neumann J, Dhein S, Kirchhefer U, Hofmann B, Gergs U. Effects of congeners of amphetamine on the human heart. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:4615-4642. [PMID: 38340182 PMCID: PMC11166837 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-02983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Central stimulatory and hallucinogenic drugs of abuse like amphetamine and most congeners of amphetamine can have cardiac harmful effects. These cardiac side effects can lead to morbidities and death. In this paper, we review current knowledge on the direct and indirect effects of these amphetamine congeners on the mammalian heart-more specifically, the isolated human heart muscle preparation. In detail, we address the question of whether and how these drugs affect cardiac contractility and their mechanisms of action. Based on this information, further research areas are defined, and further research efforts are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Neumann
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 4, 06112, D-06097, Halle, Germany.
| | - Stefan Dhein
- Rudolf-Boehm Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16-18, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Britt Hofmann
- Cardiac Surgery, Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, D-06097, Halle, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gergs
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 4, 06112, D-06097, Halle, Germany
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Lee KH, Won SJ, Oyinloye P, Shi L. Unlocking the Potential of High-Quality Dopamine Transporter Pharmacological Data: Advancing Robust Machine Learning-Based QSAR Modeling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.06.583803. [PMID: 38558976 PMCID: PMC10979915 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.06.583803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The dopamine transporter (DAT) plays a critical role in the central nervous system and has been implicated in numerous psychiatric disorders. The ligand-based approaches are instrumental to decipher the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of DAT ligands, especially the quantitative SAR (QSAR) modeling. By gathering and analyzing data from literature and databases, we systematically assemble a diverse range of ligands binding to DAT, aiming to discern the general features of DAT ligands and uncover the chemical space for potential novel DAT ligand scaffolds. The aggregation of DAT pharmacological activity data, particularly from databases like ChEMBL, provides a foundation for constructing robust QSAR models. The compilation and meticulous filtering of these data, establishing high-quality training datasets with specific divisions of pharmacological assays and data types, along with the application of QSAR modeling, prove to be a promising strategy for navigating the pertinent chemical space. Through a systematic comparison of DAT QSAR models using training datasets from various ChEMBL releases, we underscore the positive impact of enhanced data set quality and increased data set size on the predictive power of DAT QSAR models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Hao Lee
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Sung Joon Won
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Precious Oyinloye
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Neumann J, Hußler W, Hofmann B, Gergs U. Contractile Effects of Amphetamine, Pseudoephedrine, Nor-pseudoephedrine (Cathine), and Cathinone on Atrial Preparations of Mice and Humans. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2024; 83:243-250. [PMID: 38181215 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Amphetamine derivatives are used worldwide legally or illegally and intoxications may be accompanied by cardiac arrhythmias. Here, we tested contractile effects of cumulative applied (±)-amphetamine, pseudoephedrine, nor-pseudoephedrine (cathine), and cathinone in electrically stimulated (1 Hz) human right atrial preparations (HAP) and mouse left atrial preparations and in spontaneously beating mouse right atrial preparations. In mouse atrial preparations, amphetamine increased force of contraction and beating rate in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, starting at 1 µM in left atrial preparations to 157.1% ± 3.0% and right atrial preparations to 146.6% ± 9.8% at 10 µM, respectively [mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM); n = 5; P < 0.05]. Pseudoephedrine, cathine, or cathinone alone were ineffective in mouse atrial preparations but after pre-incubation with the phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor rolipram (0.1 µM), a positive inotropic effect was noted (mean ± SEM: pseudoephedrine: 112.3% ± 9.8%; cathine: 109.0% ± 4.3%; cathinone: 138.3% ± 21.2%). The effects of all drugs were greatly attenuated by 10 µM cocaine or 10 µM propranolol treatments. However, In HAP, not only amphetamine (to a mean ± SEM of 208% ± 32%) but also pseudoephedrine (to a mean ± SEM of 287% ± 60%), cathine (to a mean ± SEM of 234% ± 52%), and cathinone (to a mean ± SEM of 217% ± 65%) increased force of contraction without the need of phosphodiesterase inhibition. The contractile effects in HAP were attenuated by 10 µM cocaine and antagonized by 10 µM propranolol. We conclude that amphetamine, pseudoephedrine, cathine, and cathinone act probably via release of noradrenaline from cardiac stores as indirect sympathomimetic agents in mouse and more pronounced in human atrial preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Neumann
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany; and
| | - Wilhelm Hußler
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany; and
| | - Britt Hofmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Mid-German Heart Center, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gergs
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany; and
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Nguyen VT, Harris AC, Eltit JM. Structural and functional perspectives on interactions between synthetic cathinones and monoamine transporters. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 99:83-124. [PMID: 38467490 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinone derivatives comprise a family of psychoactive compounds structurally related to amphetamine. Over the last decade, clandestine chemists have synthesized a consistent stream of innovative cathinone derivatives to outpace governmental regulatory restrictions. Many of these unregulated substances are produced and distributed as designer drugs. Two of the principal chemical scaffolds exploited to expand the synthetic cathinone family are methcathinone and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (or α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, α-PVP). These compounds' main physiological targets are monoamine transporters, where they promote addiction by potentiating dopaminergic neurotransmission. This chapter describes techniques used to study the pharmacodynamic properties of cathinones at monoamine transporters in vitro. Biochemical techniques described include uptake inhibition and release assays in rat brain synaptosomes and in mammalian expression systems. Electrophysiological techniques include current measurements using the voltage clamp technique. We describe a Ca2+ mobilization assay wherein voltage-gated Ca2+ channels function as reporters to study the action of synthetic cathinones at monoamine transporters. We discuss results from systematic structure-activity relationship studies on simple and complex cathinones at monoamine transporters with an emphasis on identifying structural moieties that modulate potency and selectivity at these transporters. Moreover, different profiles of selectivity at monoamine transporters directly predict compounds associated with behavioral and subjective effects within animals and humans. In conclusion, clarification of the structural aspects of compounds which modulate potency and selectivity at monoamine transporters is critical to identify and predict potential addictive drugs. This knowledge may allow prompt allocation of resources toward drugs that represent the greatest threats after drugs are identified by forensic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vy T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Alan C Harris
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jose M Eltit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Kok EA, den Besten-Bertholee D, van Berkel S, Larmené-Beld KHM. Detection and Identification of an Unknown Impurity in Ephedrine HCl 5 mg/mL Cyclic Olefin Syringes: Formulation Development. AAPS PharmSciTech 2023; 24:140. [PMID: 37349566 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
An unknown impurity was detected in in-house prepared ephedrine hydrochloride (HCl) 5 mg/mL prefilled sterilized syringes when applying a stability-indicating British Pharmacopoeia 2018 impurity method for ephedrine injection. Ultraviolet, chromatographic, mass spectral, and physicochemical methods were combined to identify the unknown impurity. The unknown impurity was identified as methcathinone, which is generated from ephedrine drug substance through an oxidation reaction. A formulation study, in which different process adjustments were tested, was carried out to reduce the amount of unknown impurity. Nitrogen gassing in combination with 0.05 M citrate buffer addition proved to be the most potent process adjustment in reducing methcathinone formation in ephedrine HCl 5 mg/mL prefilled sterilized syringes after 4 months of storage in the dark at room temperature (20 °C ± 5 °C). More detailed research on the long-term stability of the reformulated ephedrine HCl drug product is currently underway, with promising results for up to 9 months gathered already.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen A Kok
- Unit of Pharmacotherapy, -Epidemiology, and -Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Isala Hospital, 8025 AB, Zwolle, Overijssel, the Netherlands
| | | | - Stefan van Berkel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Isala Hospital, 8025 AB, Zwolle, Overijssel, the Netherlands
| | - Karin H M Larmené-Beld
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Isala Hospital, 8025 AB, Zwolle, Overijssel, the Netherlands.
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Chojnacki MR, Thorndike EB, Partilla JS, Rice KC, Schindler CW, Baumann MH. Neurochemical and Cardiovascular Effects of 4-Chloro Ring-Substituted Synthetic Cathinones in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 385:162-170. [PMID: 36669877 PMCID: PMC10201577 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are a class of new psychoactive substances that display psychomotor stimulant properties, and novel cathinone analogs continue to emerge in illicit drug markets worldwide. The aim of the present study was to characterize the pharmacology of 4-chloro ring-substituted cathinones that are appearing in illicit drug markets compared with the effects of 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone). Synaptosomes were prepared from rat caudate for dopamine transporter (DAT) assays or from whole brain minus caudate and cerebellum for norepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter (SERT) assays. Findings from transporter uptake inhibition and release assays showed that mephedrone and 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) function as substrates at DAT, NET, and SERT, with similar potency at all three transporters. In contrast, 4-chloro-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-CαPPP) was an uptake inhibitor at DAT and NET, with similar potency at each site, but had little activity at SERT. 4-Chloroethcathinone (4-CEC) was a low-potency uptake inhibitor at DAT and NET but a substrate at SERT. In rats implanted with telemetry transmitters, mephedrone and 4-CMC increased blood pressure, heart rate, and locomotor activity to a similar extent. 4-CEC and 4-CαPPP were less potent at increasing blood pressure and had modest stimulatory effects on heart rate and activity. 4-CMC also transiently decreased temperature at the highest dose tested. All three 4-chloro ring-substituted cathinones are biologically active, but only 4-CMC has potency comparable to mephedrone. Collectively, our findings suggest that 4-CMC and other 4-chloro cathinones may have abuse potential and adverse effects in humans that are analogous to those associated with mephedrone. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The 4-chloro ring-substituted cathinones all produced significant cardiovascular stimulation, with 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) showing potency similar to mephedrone. All of the drugs are likely to be abused given their effects at the dopamine transporter, particularly 4-CMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Chojnacki
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Eric B Thorndike
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Charles W Schindler
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
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Neumann J, Azatsian K, Höhm C, Hofmann B, Gergs U. Cardiac effects of ephedrine, norephedrine, mescaline, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in mouse and human atrial preparations. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:275-287. [PMID: 36319858 PMCID: PMC9831963 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02315-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The use of recreational drugs like ephedrine, norephedrine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and mescaline can lead to intoxication and, at worst, to death. One reason for a fatal course of intoxication with these drugs might lie in cardiac arrhythmias. To the best of our knowledge, their inotropic effects have not yet been studied in isolated human cardiac preparations. Therefore, we measured inotropic effects of the hallucinogenic drugs ephedrine, norephedrine, mescaline, and MDMA in isolated mouse left atrial (mLA) and right atrial (mRA) preparations as well as in human right atrial (hRA) preparations obtained during cardiac surgery. Under these experimental conditions, ephedrine, norephedrine, and MDMA increased force of contraction (mLA, hRA) and beating rate (mRA) in a time- and concentration-dependent way, starting at 1-3 µM but these drugs were less effective than isoprenaline. Mescaline alone or in the presence of phosphodiesterase inhibitors did not increase force in mLA or hRA. The positive inotropic effects of ephedrine, norephedrine, or MDMA were accompanied by increases in the rate of tension and relaxation and by shortening of time of relaxation and, moreover, by an augmented phosphorylation state of the inhibitory subunit of troponin in hRA. All effects were greatly attenuated by cocaine (10 µM) or propranolol (10 µM) treatment. In summary, the hallucinogenic drugs ephedrine, norephedrine, and MDMA, but not mescaline, increased force of contraction and increased protein phosphorylation presumably, in part, by a release of noradrenaline in isolated human atrial preparations and thus can be regarded as indirect sympathomimetic drugs in the human atrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Neumann
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 4, D-06097, Halle, Germany
| | - Karyna Azatsian
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 4, D-06097, Halle, Germany
| | - Christian Höhm
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 4, D-06097, Halle, Germany
| | - Britt Hofmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Mid-German Heart Center, University Hospital Halle, D-06097, Halle, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gergs
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 4, D-06097, Halle, Germany.
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Huang X, Hyuga S, Amakura Y, Hyuga M, Uchiyama N, Hakamatsuka T, Goda Y, Odaguchi H, Hanawa T, Kobayashi Y. Overlooked switch from transient sedation to sustained excitement in the Biphasic effects of Ephedra Herb extract administered orally to mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 301:115827. [PMID: 36240977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In our previous study, we reported that Ephedra Herb extract (EHE) increased the locomotor activity of mice in the open-field test and reduced the immobility time in the forced swim test. Ephedrine alkaloids (EAs) are thought to be responsible for the adverse effects of Ephedra Herb. However, there are no reports to verify that the adverse effects of Ephedra Herb are caused by the amount of EAs in the herb. Therefore, we investigated whether these adverse effects of EHE are caused by the amounts of ephedrine (Eph) and pseudoephedrine (Pse) in the herbal extract. In a preliminary study of the time course analysis of the open field test, we newly observed that EHE evoked switching from transient sedation to sustained excitement. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to confirm whether EHE evokes switching from transient sedation to sustained excitement, investigate whether these actions of EHE are caused by the amount of ephedrine (Eph) and pseudoephedrine (Pse) in the herbal extract, and clarify the molecular mechanism of the transient sedative effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS The locomotor activity of mice was tested using the open-field test. The immobility times were measured using a forced swim test, and the motor dysfunction in mice was tested using the rotarod test. RESULTS EHE, Eph, and Pse induced transient motionlessness between 0 and 15 min after oral administration, however, they did not induce depression-like behavior and motor dysfunction in mice, suggesting that the motionlessness induced by EHE, Eph, or Pse resulted from sedation. The α2a adrenoceptor inhibitor, atipamezole, decreased their sedative effects. Thus, immediately after EHE administration, the transient sedative effect is mediated through the activation of the α2a adrenoreceptor by Eph and Pse. EHE and Eph increased total locomotor activity for 15-120 min after oral administration; however, Pse had no effect. Therefore, the slow-onset and sustained excitatory effects of EHE are mediated by Eph. CONCLUSIONS We discovered for the first time that EHE evokes diphasic action by switching from transient sedation to sustained excitement. The transient sedation was evoked by the Eph and Pse in the herbal extract via activation of the α2a adrenoceptor and the sustained excitement was caused by the Eph in the herbal extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan Huang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan; Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Sumiko Hyuga
- Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yoshiaki Amakura
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University, Ehime, Japan.
| | - Masashi Hyuga
- National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | | | | | - Yukihiro Goda
- National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Odaguchi
- Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Toshihiko Hanawa
- Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yoshinori Kobayashi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan; Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Llanes LC, Sa NB, Cenci AR, Teixeira KF, de França IV, Meier L, de Oliveira AS. Witches, potions, and metabolites: an overview from a medicinal perspective. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:405-412. [PMID: 35647543 PMCID: PMC9020611 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00025c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Witches were popularly imagined as older women (above middle age), with large warty noses, whose clothes were shabby and used pointy hats. They are usually associated with a cauldron and the presence of a black cat that accompany them in this imagery projection. The fact is that, historically, many women have suffered countless physical and emotional acts of violence, for which different analysis can be made from the perspective of the Human Sciences. Of the historical narratives that deal with this violence, the Salem witch trials stand out as the biggest witch hunt in history, where a series of hearings and trials of people accused of witchcraft took place in colonial Massachusetts, between February 1693 and May of 1694, episodes in which more than two hundred people were accused of practices of heresy. However, it is necessary to recognize that many of these women considered witches were, in fact, profound connoisseurs of plant species with biological properties, even though there was not precise information about the active compounds of these plants. With the development of characterization techniques for organic compounds, like spectrometric and spectroscopic analyses, most of the metabolites present in the "potions" had their structures elucidated, allowing a more appropriate knowledge of the possible metabolic pathways. In this article, we report a study of the structure-activity relationships for two of the most famous potions in history: the sleep potion and the love potion, with the aim of presenting new discussions within the scope of medicinal chemistry that can contribute to the process of science diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Canzian Llanes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara California 93106 USA
| | - Nathalia Biazotto Sa
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Arthur Ribeiro Cenci
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Kerolain Faoro Teixeira
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Igor Vinícius de França
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Lidiane Meier
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Aldo Sena de Oliveira
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
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Zhu T, Jin Y, Zhao J, Jing J, Tian T, Shan Y, Xu X, Wang Y. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of ephedrine stimulants in urine by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2022; 36:e9229. [PMID: 34854506 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Ephedrine analogues are stimulants that are explicitly required to be quantified and characterized in the Anti-Doping Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Given the difficulty of distinguishing diastereoisomers, the qualitative and quantitative analyses of ephedrine diastereoisomers are difficult. METHODS An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) method was developed to detect five ephedrine analogues, and two pairs of diastereoisomers were identified using this method. The samples were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using a tandem mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source in multiple reaction detection mode after one-step dilution. RESULTS The effective detection limits of this method were below 0.5 ng/mL. A matrix effect (range: 83.4% to 102%) was observed in quality control samples. The intra- and inter-day precision was lower than 9.16% and 8.60%, respectively, and the accuracy was within ±8.0%. CONCLUSIONS The method is efficient, accurate, stable and sensitive, and fully meets the requirements for the detection of ephedrine substances in stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhu
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Jin
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Jing Jing
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Xin Xu
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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13
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Ogura K, Kadota A, Nakayama A, Kanno H, Tahara Y, Nishi A. Maoto, a traditional Japanese medicine, controls acute systemic inflammation induced by polyI:C administration through noradrenergic function. Gene 2022; 806:145921. [PMID: 34454033 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Maoto, a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo), is widely used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza virus infection. Although maoto is known to inhibit pro-inflammatory responses in a rodent model of acute inflammation, its underlying mechanism remains to be determined. In this study, we investigated the involvement of immune responses and noradrenergic function in the inhibitory action of maoto. In a mouse model of polyI:C-induced acute inflammation, maoto was administered orally in conjunction with intraperitoneal injection of PolyI:C (6 mg/kg), and blood was collected after 2 h for measurement of plasma cytokines by ELISA. Maoto significantly decreased PolyI:C-induced TNF-α levels and increased IL-10 production. Neither pretreatment with IL-10 neutralizing antibodies nor T-cell deficiency using nude mice modified the inhibitory effect of maoto, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effects of maoto are independent of IL-10 and T cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of maoto on PolyI:C-induced TNF-α production were not observed in ex vivo splenocytes, suggesting that maoto does not act directly on inflammatory cells. Lastly, pretreatment with a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist partially cancelled the anti-inflammatory effects of maoto. Collectively, these results suggest that maoto mediates its anti-inflammatory effects via β-adrenergic receptors in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Oral
- Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/pharmacology
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Ephedrine/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Inflammation/prevention & control
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Interleukin-10/agonists
- Interleukin-10/genetics
- Interleukin-10/immunology
- Japan
- Male
- Medicine, Kampo/methods
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Poly I-C/administration & dosage
- Poly I-C/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta/genetics
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ogura
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Kadota
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akiko Nakayama
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hitomi Kanno
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshio Tahara
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akinori Nishi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
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14
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Sachkova A, Doetsch DA, Jensen O, Brockmöller J, Ansari S. How do psychostimulants enter the human brain? Analysis of the role of the proton-organic cation antiporter. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114751. [PMID: 34464621 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although psychostimulants apparently do cross the BBB, it is poorly understood how these hydrophilic and positively charged molecules can pass the blood-brain barrier (BBB). That may be mediated by a genetically still uncharacterized H+/OC antiporter with high activity at the BBB. METHODS We studied the uptake of 16 psychostimulants and hallucinogens with hCMEC/D3 cells using the prototypic inhibitor imipramine (cis-inhibition), exchange transport with diphenhydramine and clonidine (trans-stimulation), proton dependency of the uptake, and we characterized the concentration-dependent uptake. RESULTS Cell uptake of methylenedioxyamphetamines, amphetamines and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) were strongly inhibited (to about 10% of the controls) by imipramine and diphenhydramine, whereas uptake of cathine was only weakly inhibited and mescaline not significantly. Amphetamine, methylamphetamine, para-Methoxy-N-methylamphetamine (PMMA), Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), phentermine and DMT exhibited the highest exchange after preloading with diphenhydramine with only 5.5%, 5.2%, 7.8%, 6%, 1.9%, 7.6% remaining in the cells. Less and no exchange were seen with cathine and mescaline, respectively. Dependence on intracellular pH was most pronounced with the methylendioxyamphetamines while uptake of cathine, DOI and cocaine were only moderately affected and mescaline not at all. CONCLUSION Except for mescaline, all psychostimulants studied here were substrates of the H+/OC antiporter, implicating a strong need for a better characterization of this transport protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sachkova
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany.
| | - David Alexander Doetsch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ole Jensen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Brockmöller
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Salim Ansari
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
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15
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Docherty JR, Alsufyani HA. Pharmacology of Drugs Used as Stimulants. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S53-S69. [PMID: 34396557 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Psychostimulant, cardiovascular, and temperature actions of stimulants involve adrenergic (norepinephrine), dopaminergic (dopamine), and serotonergic (serotonin) pathways. Stimulants such as amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or mephedrone can act on the neuronal membrane monoamine transporters NET, DAT, and SERT and/or the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 to inhibit reuptake of neurotransmitter or cause release by reverse transport. Stimulants may have additional effects involving pre- and postsynaptic/junctional receptors for norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin and other receptors. As a result, stimulants may have a wide range of possible actions. Agents with cocaine or MDMA-like actions can induce serious and potentially fatal adverse events via thermodysregulatory, cardiovascular, or other mechanisms. MDMA-like stimulants may cause hyperthermia that can be life threathening. Recreational users of stimulants should be aware of the dangers of hyperthermia in a rave/club environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hadeel A Alsufyani
- Department of Physiology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Docherty JR, Alsufyani HA. Cardiovascular and temperature adverse actions of stimulants. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2551-2568. [PMID: 33786822 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of illicit stimulants act at monoaminergic systems, causing both psychostimulant and adverse effects. Stimulants can interact as substrates or antagonists at the nerve terminal monoamine transporter that mediates the reuptake of monoamines across the nerve synaptic membrane and at the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT-2) that mediates storage of monoamines in vesicles. Stimulants can act directly at presynaptic or postsynaptic receptors for monoamines or have indirect monoamine-mimetic actions due to the release of monoamines. Cocaine and other stimulants can acutely increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. Stimulants, particularly MDMA, in hot conditions, such as that occurring at a "rave," have caused fatalities from the consequences of hyperthermia, often compounding cardiac adverse actions. This review examines the pharmacology of the cardiovascular and temperature adverse actions of stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Docherty
- Department of Physiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hadeel A Alsufyani
- Department of Physiology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Jancke D, Herlitze S, Kringelbach ML, Deco G. Bridging the gap between single receptor type activity and whole-brain dynamics. FEBS J 2021; 289:2067-2084. [PMID: 33797854 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
What is the effect of activating a single modulatory neuronal receptor type on entire brain network dynamics? Can such effect be isolated at all? These are important questions because characterizing elementary neuronal processes that influence network activity across the given anatomical backbone is fundamental to guide theories of brain function. Here, we introduce the concept of the cortical 'receptome' taking into account the distribution and densities of expression of different modulatory receptor types across the brain's anatomical connectivity matrix. By modelling whole-brain dynamics in silico, we suggest a bidirectional coupling between modulatory neurotransmission and neuronal connectivity hardware exemplified by the impact of single serotonergic (5-HT) receptor types on cortical dynamics. As experimental support of this concept, we show how optogenetic tools enable specific activation of a single 5-HT receptor type across the cortex as well as in vivo measurement of its distinct effects on cortical processing. Altogether, we demonstrate how the structural neuronal connectivity backbone and its modulation by a single neurotransmitter system allow access to a rich repertoire of different brain states that are fundamental for flexible behaviour. We further propose that irregular receptor expression patterns-genetically predisposed or acquired during a lifetime-may predispose for neuropsychiatric disorders like addiction, depression and anxiety along with distinct changes in brain state. Our long-term vision is that such diseases could be treated through rationally targeted therapeutic interventions of high specificity to eventually recover natural transitions of brain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Jancke
- Optical Imaging Group, Institut für Neuroinformatik, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.,International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefan Herlitze
- Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Morten L Kringelbach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK.,Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Gustavo Deco
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de la Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
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18
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Jîtcă G, Ősz BE, Tero-Vescan A, Vari CE. Psychoactive Drugs-From Chemical Structure to Oxidative Stress Related to Dopaminergic Neurotransmission. A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:381. [PMID: 33806320 PMCID: PMC8000782 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, more and more young people want to experience illegal, psychoactive substances, without knowing the risks of exposure. Besides affecting social life, psychoactive substances also have an important effect on consumer health. We summarized and analyzed the published literature data with reference to the mechanism of free radical generation and the link between chemical structure and oxidative stress related to dopaminergic neurotransmission. This review presents data on the physicochemical properties, on the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, the chemical structure activity relationship (SAR), and possible mechanisms by which neuronal injuries occur due to oxidative stress as a result of drug abuse such as "bath salts", amphetamines, or cocaine. The mechanisms of action of ingested compounds or their metabolites involve intermediate steps in which free radicals are generated. The brain is strongly affected by the consumption of such substances, facilitating the induction of neurodegenerative diseases. It can be concluded that neurotoxicity is associated with drug abuse. Dependence and oxidative stress are linked to inhibition of neurogenesis and the onset of neuronal death. Understanding the pathological mechanisms following oxidative attack can be a starting point in the development of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Jîtcă
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (G.J.); (C.E.V.)
| | - Bianca E. Ősz
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (G.J.); (C.E.V.)
| | - Amelia Tero-Vescan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Camil E. Vari
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (G.J.); (C.E.V.)
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Jensen O, Rafehi M, Gebauer L, Brockmöller J. Cellular Uptake of Psychostimulants - Are High- and Low-Affinity Organic Cation Transporters Drug Traffickers? Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:609811. [PMID: 33551812 PMCID: PMC7854383 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.609811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychostimulants are used therapeutically and for illegal recreational purposes. Many of these are inhibitors of the presynaptic noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin transporters (NET, DAT, and SERT). According to their physicochemical properties, some might also be substrates of polyspecific organic cation transporters (OCTs) that mediate uptake in liver and kidneys for metabolism and excretion. OCT1 is genetically highly polymorphic, with strong effects on transporter activity and expression. To study potential interindividual differences in their pharmacokinetics, 18 psychostimulants and hallucinogens were assessed in vitro for transport by different OCTs as well as by the high-affinity monoamine transporters NET, DAT, and SERT. The hallucinogenic natural compound mescaline was found to be strongly transported by wild-type OCT1 with a Km of 24.3 µM and a vmax of 642 pmol × mg protein−1 × min−1. Transport was modestly reduced in variants *2 and *7, more strongly reduced in *3 and *4, and lowest in *5 and *6, while *8 showed a moderately increased transport capacity. The other phenylethylamine derivatives methamphetamine, para-methoxymethamphetamine, (-)-ephedrine, and cathine ((+)-norpseudoephedrine), as well as dimethyltryptamine, were substrates of OCT2 with Km values in the range of 7.9–46.0 µM and vmax values between 70.7 and 570 pmol × mg protein−1 × min−1. Affinities were similar or modestly reduced and the transport capacities were reduced down to half in the naturally occurring variant A270S. Cathine was found to be a substrate for NET and DAT, with the Km being 21-fold and the vmax 10-fold higher for DAT but still significantly lower compared to OCT2. This study has shown that several psychostimulants and hallucinogens are substrates for OCTs. Given the extensive cellular uptake of mescaline by the genetically highly polymorphic OCT1, strong interindividual variation in the pharmacokinetics of mescaline might be possible, which could be a reason for highly variable adverse reactions. The involvement of the polymorphic OCT2 in the renal excretion of several psychostimulants could be one reason for individual differences in toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Jensen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Muhammad Rafehi
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Gebauer
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Brockmöller
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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20
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Nakajima M, al'Absi M. Influences of Fasting on Stress Response and Withdrawal Symptoms in Habitual Khat Users. Eur Addict Res 2021; 27:49-57. [PMID: 33202407 PMCID: PMC7785579 DOI: 10.1159/000506737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fasting changes mood and physiological states. Substance use, such as khat use, is prohibited during fasting during Ramadan, a traditional practice among Muslims. Habitual khat use is associated with increased negative affect and altered psychobiological stress responses. Effects of fasting on stress responses, mood, and withdrawal symptoms among khat users have not been examined. METHODS In this study, 80 individuals completed an ambulatory monitoring period and a laboratory assessment session. Participants who completed the study while fasting during Ramadan were matched by gender and khat use status with participants who completed the study while not fasting. This resulted in 40 participants (12 females and 28 males; 25 khat users and 15 nonusers) in each fasting group. Cardiovascular (blood pressure and heart rate) and subjective measures were collected throughout the laboratory stress session. A mental arithmetic challenge was used to induce stress. In addition, self-reported mood and withdrawal measures were collected multiple times during the ambulatory assessment. RESULTS Khat users reported greater negative affect than nonusers. Results from the ambulatory study indicated that withdrawal symptoms were lower during evening hours in the fasting group than in the no-fasting group. Stress-related changes in positive and negative affects were flattened in the fasting group relative to the no-fasting group. Khat users reported reduced blood pressure responses relative to nonusers. CONCLUSION These preliminary results demonstrate that fasting is associated with reduced negative affect and withdrawal symptoms in khat users. Khat use was related to blunted blood pressure stress responses, but this was independent of fasting. Due to the small sample size, these results should be replicated with a large sample and comprehensive stress tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motohiro Nakajima
- Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, Minnesota, USA,
| | - Mustafa al'Absi
- Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
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21
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Brandt SD, Walters HM, Partilla JS, Blough BE, Kavanagh PV, Baumann MH. The psychoactive aminoalkylbenzofuran derivatives, 5-APB and 6-APB, mimic the effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) on monoamine transmission in male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3703-3714. [PMID: 32875347 PMCID: PMC7686291 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05648-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The nonmedical use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is a worldwide public health concern. The so-called "benzofury" compounds, 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB) and 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB), are NPS with stimulant-like properties in human users. These substances are known to interact with monoamine transporters and 5-HT receptors in transfected cells, but less is known about their effects in animal models. METHODS Here, we used in vitro monoamine transporter assays in rat brain synaptosomes to characterize the effects of 5-APB and 6-APB, together with their N-methyl derivatives 5-MAPB and 6-MAPB, in comparison with 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In vivo neurochemical and behavioral effects of 5-APB (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) and 6-APB (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) were assessed in comparison with MDA (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg, i.v.) using microdialysis sampling in the nucleus accumbens of conscious male rats. RESULTS All four benzofuran derivatives were substrate-type releasers at dopamine transporters (DAT), norepinephrine transporters (NET), and serotonin transporters (SERT) with nanomolar potencies, similar to the profile of effects produced by MDA and MDMA. However, the benzofurans were at least threefold more potent than MDA and MDMA at evoking transporter-mediated release. Like MDA, both benzofurans induced dose-related elevations in extracellular dopamine and serotonin in the brain, but benzofurans were more potent than MDA. The benzofuran derivatives also induced profound behavioral activation characterized by forward locomotion which lasted for at least 2 h post-injection. CONCLUSIONS Overall, benzofurans are more potent than MDA in vitro and in vivo, producing sustained stimulant-like effects in rats. These data suggest that benzofuran-type compounds may have abuse liability and could pose risks for adverse effects, especially if used in conjunction with abused drugs or medications which enhance monoamine transmission in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D. Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, L3 3AF, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hailey M. Walters
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, MD 21224, USA
| | - John S. Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, MD 21224, USA
| | - Bruce E. Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Pierce V. Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, MD 21224, USA,Correspondence: Michael H. Baumann, Ph.D., Chief, Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 333 Cassell Drive, Suite 4400, Baltimore, MD 21224,
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Qin S, Zhang Y, He G, Xin G, Qiao J, Xu Z, Liu Y, Liu H, Wang Y, Lu J. Mass spectrometric characterization and identification of new methcathinone metabolites in human blood (plasma), urine and hair by liquid chromatography-high field quadrupole exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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23
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Enduring dysregulation of nucleus accumbens catecholamine and glutamate transmission by developmental exposure to phenylpropanolamine. Brain Res 2020; 1748:147098. [PMID: 32896521 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
For over 50 years, the sympathomimetic phenylpropanolamine (PPA; ±-norephedrine) was a primary active ingredient in over-the-counter nasal decongestants for both children and adults and continues to be prevalent in the vast majority of countries today. Previously, we reported that juvenile PPA exposure alters the developmental trajectory of catecholamine and amino acid neurotransmitter systems in the nucleus accumbens (NAC), impacting the motivational valence of cocaine in later life. The present study employed a combination of in vivo microdialysis and immunoblotting approaches to better understand how juvenile PPA exposure impacts catecholamine and glutamate function within the NAC. For this, C57BL/6J mice were pretreated repeatedly with PPA (0 or 40 mg/kg) during postnatal days 21-33. Starting at 70 days of age, the function and expression of receptors and transporters regulating extracellular dopamine and glutamate were determined. Juvenile PPA pretreatment completely abolished the capacity of selective dopamine and epinephrine reuptake inhibitors to increase NAC levels of both catecholamines, without impacting D2 or α2 receptor regulation of catecholamine release. Juvenile PPA pretreatment facilitated the rise in NAC glutamate elicited by dopamine, norepinephrine and glutamate transporter inhibitors and blunted mGlu2/3 inhibition of glutamate release in this region. These data confirm that juvenile exposure to PPA produces protracted perturbations in the regulation of extracellular catecholamine and glutamate levels within the NAC and further the hypothesis that early exposure to sympathomimetic drugs found in cough, cold and allergy medicines, have long-lasting effects upon neurotransmission within brain regions gating motivation.
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Schindler CW, Thorndike EB, Walters HM, Walther D, Rice KC, Baumann MH. Stereoselective neurochemical, behavioral, and cardiovascular effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone enantiomers in male rats. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12842. [PMID: 31724254 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) continues to be abused despite being banned by regulatory agencies. The abused formulation of α-PVP is a racemic mixture consisting of two enantiomers, S-α-PVP and R-α-PVP. In this study, we investigated the neurochemical, behavioral, and cardiovascular effects of racemic α-PVP and its enantiomers in male rats. Racemic α-PVP blocked the uptake of both dopamine and norepinephrine ex vivo, but did not block the uptake of serotonin (5-HT), at their respective transporters. S-α-PVP was slightly more potent than racemic α-PVP, while R-α-PVP was 10 to 20 times less potent at blocking dopamine and norepinephrine uptake. In microdialysis studies, racemic and S-α-PVP increased extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, but not levels of 5-HT. Racemic and S-α-PVP also increased locomotor activity. When tested at the same doses, S-α-PVP produced larger effects than racemic α-PVP. R-α-PVP also increased extracellular dopamine levels and locomotor activity, but only at 30 times higher doses than S-α-PVP. Racemic and S-α-PVP were self-administered by rats at 0.03 mg/kg/injection, whereas R-α-PVP was self-administered at a 10 times higher dose. Dose-effect determinations following acquisition suggested that R-α-PVP was at least 30 times less potent than S-α-PVP. Finally, racemic and S-α-PVP increased blood pressure and heart rate at doses approximately 30 times less than was required for R-α-PVP to produce similar effects. These results show that the neurochemical, behavioral, and cardiovascular effects of racemic α-PVP most likely reflect the actions of S isomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W. Schindler
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Eric B. Thorndike
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Hailey M. Walters
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Kenner C. Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
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Davies RA, Baird TR, Nguyen VT, Ruiz B, Sakloth F, Eltit JM, Negus SS, Glennon RA. Investigation of the Optical Isomers of Methcathinone, and Two Achiral Analogs, at Monoamine Transporters and in Intracranial Self-Stimulation Studies in Rats. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1762-1769. [PMID: 32356961 PMCID: PMC10019599 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Methcathinone (MCAT; 1), the progenitor of numerous and widely abused "synthetic cathinone" central stimulants, exists as a pair of optical isomers. Although S(-)MCAT is several-fold more potent than R(+)MCAT in rodent locomotor stimulation and in stimulus generalization studies in rat drug discrimination assays, the individual optical isomers of MCAT have never been directly compared for their actions at monoamine transporters that seem to underlie their actions and have never been examined for their relative abuse potential. Here, we found that the isomers of MCAT are nearly equieffective at dopamine and norepinephrine transporters (DAT and NET, respectively) as transporter substrates (i.e., as releasing agents) and are ≥63-fold less potent at the serotonin transporter (SERT). In intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) studies to evaluate abuse-related drug effects in rats, S(-)MCAT was approximately twice as potent as its R-enantiomer. Achiral analogs, α-methyl MCAT (3) and α-des-methyl MCAT (4), also were DAT/NET substrates and also produced abuse-related ICSS effects, indicating that they retain abuse potential and that they might be useful for the further study of the stereochemistry of synthetic cathinone analogs with chiral β- (or other) substituents.
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Fang L, Xie J, Lin L, Tian M, Row KH. Multi-phase extraction of ephedrine from Pinellia ternata and herbal medicine using molecular imprinted polymer coated ionic liquid-based silica. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2020; 31:242-251. [PMID: 31435982 DOI: 10.1002/pca.2888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ephedrine is a typical compound found in lots of plant species that is used in several medicines for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. However, excess amounts are harmful to humans, so it needs to be removed. OBJECTIVE This study developed a multi-phase extraction (MPE) method with a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) coated ionic liquid (IL)-based silica (SiO2 @IL@MIP) to simultaneously extract and separate ephedrine from Pinellia ternata, 10 medicines, and urine samples. METHODS IL was immobilized on silica. Subsequently, the IL was combined with the functional monomer, followed by the addition of the crosslinker and template. The resulting sorbent was applied to the MPE, and the extraction, washing and elution solvents were evaluated. RESULTS Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the synthesis of SiO2 @IL@MIP. A maximum adsorption amount of 5.76 mg/g was obtained at 30°C at a neutral pH. In MPE, 10.00 mL of methanol could extract all the ephedrine from Pinellia ternata. The interference was removed by washing with 4.00 mL of water, ethanol, and acetonitrile. Finally, 8.00 mL of methanol/acetic acid (99:1, v/v) was applied as the elution solvent. The following were extracted: 5.50 μg/g of ephedrine from Pinellia ternata, 0.00-46.50 μg/g from the 10 herbal medicines, and 68.70-102.80 μg/mL in the urine samples. CONCLUSION The proposed method was applied successfully to the simultaneously extraction and separation of ephedrine from plants and medicines. These results are expected to provide important data for the development of new methods for the separation and purification of bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luwei Fang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Jinfeng Xie
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Liangwen Lin
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Minglei Tian
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Kyung Ho Row
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
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27
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Nakamori S, Takahashi J, Hyuga S, Yang J, Takemoto H, Maruyama T, Oshima N, Uchiyama N, Amakura Y, Hyuga M, Hakamatsuka T, Goda Y, Odaguchi H, Hanawa T, Kobayashi Y. Analgesic Effects of Ephedra Herb Extract, Ephedrine Alkaloids-Free Ephedra Herb Extract, Ephedrine, and Pseudoephedrine on Formalin-Induced Pain. Biol Pharm Bull 2020; 42:1538-1544. [PMID: 31474713 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The analgesic effect of Ephedra Herb (EH) is believed to be derived from the anti-inflammatory action of pseudoephedrine (Pse). We recently reported that ephedrine alkaloids-free EH extract (EFE) attenuates formalin-induced pain to the same level as that achieved by EH extract (EHE), which suggests that the analgesic effect of EH may not be due to ephedrine alkaloids (EAs). To examine the contribution of EAs to the analgesic effect of EH, mice were injected with formalin to induce a biphasic pain reaction (first phase, 0-5 min; second phase, 10-45 min) at various time points after oral administration of the following test drugs: ephedrine (Eph), Pse, "authentic" EHE from Tsumura & Co. (EHE-Ts), EFE, and EHE that was used as the source of EFE (EHE-To). Biphasic pain was suppressed at 30 min after administration of Eph, EHE-Ts, and EHE-To. At 6 h after administration of EFE, EHE-To, and Pse-and at 4 to 6 h after administration of EHE-Ts-only second-phase pain was suppressed; however, the effect of Pse at 6 h was not significant. These results suggested that EHE has a biphasic analgesic effect against biphasic formalin-induced pain: in the first phase of analgesia (30 min after administration), biphasic pain is suppressed by Eph; in the second phase of analgesia (4-6 h after administration), second-phase pain is alleviated by constituents other than EAs, although Pse may partially contribute to the relief of second-phase pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Nakamori
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University.,Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University
| | - Jun Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University.,Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University
| | - Sumiko Hyuga
- Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University
| | | | - Hiroaki Takemoto
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University.,Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University
| | | | - Naohiro Oshima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | | | - Yoshiaki Amakura
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yoshinori Kobayashi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University.,Oriental Medicine Research Center of Kitasato University
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28
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Erdmann V, Sehl T, Frindi-Wosch I, Simon RC, Kroutil W, Rother D. Methoxamine Synthesis in a Biocatalytic 1-Pot 2-Step Cascade Approach. ACS Catal 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.9b01081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Erdmann
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Torsten Sehl
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- HERBRAND PharmaChemicals GmbH, 77723 Gengenbach, Germany
| | - Ilona Frindi-Wosch
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Robert C. Simon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Roche-Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kroutil
- Department of Chemistry, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Dörte Rother
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
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29
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Anderson GM. Autism Risk and Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:547-548. [PMID: 30840041 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- George M Anderson
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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30
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Steele TWE, Eltit JM. Using Ca 2+-channel biosensors to profile amphetamines and cathinones at monoamine transporters: electro-engineering cells to detect potential new psychoactive substances. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:973-988. [PMID: 30448989 PMCID: PMC6525079 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5103-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The appearance of stimulant-class new psychoactive substances (NPS) is a frequent and significant problem in our society. Cathinone variants are often sold illegally as 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine ("ecstasy") or disguised for legal sale using misleading names such as "bath salts" and carry the risk of promoting disruptive mental states, addiction, and fatal overdose. The principal targets of these recreational drugs are monoamine transporters expressed in catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Some transporter ligands can be transported into cells, where they can promote a massive release of neurotransmitters through reverse transport, and others can block uptake. A ligand's dopamine vs. serotonin transporter selectivity, potency, and activity as a substrate or blocker can help elucidate the abuse liability and subjective effects of a drug. OBJECTIVES Here, we describe the discovery, development, and validation of an emerging methodology for compound activity assessment at monoamine transporters. KEY FINDINGS Substrates generate inward electrical currents through transporters and can depolarize the plasma membrane, whereas blockers work as a "cork in a bottle" and function as antagonists. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels were co-expressed with monoamine transporters in cultured cells and used to measure fluctuations of the membrane electrical potential. In this system, substrates of monoamine transporters produce reliable dose-dependent Ca2+ signals, while blockers hinder them. DISCUSSION This system constitutes a novel use of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels as biosensors for the purpose of characterizing ligand activity at monoamine transporters using fluorimetry. This approach in combination with in vivo evaluations of drugs' abuse-related effects is a powerful strategy for anticipating potential stimulant-class NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler W E Steele
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 E Marshall St. Rm# 3-038H, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Jose M Eltit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 E Marshall St. Rm# 3-038H, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
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31
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Serati M, Andersson KE, Dmochowski R, Agrò EF, Heesakkers J, Iacovelli V, Novara G, Khullar V, Chapple C. Systematic Review of Combination Drug Therapy for Non-neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Eur Urol 2019; 75:129-168. [PMID: 30293906 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2018.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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32
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Willson C. Sympathomimetic amine compounds and hepatotoxicity: Not all are alike-Key distinctions noted in a short review. Toxicol Rep 2018; 6:26-33. [PMID: 30581759 PMCID: PMC6288410 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sympathomimetic amine compounds are often pooled together and incorrectly assumed to be interchangeable with respect to potential adverse effects. A brief and specific review of sympathomimetic compounds and one instance (i.e., hepatotoxicity) where these compounds have been improperly grouped together is covered. A review of the proposed mechanisms through which known hepatotoxic sympathomimetic agents (e.g., 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA, methamphetamine and amphetamine) cause liver injury, along with a corresponding review of in vitro data, interventional data, animal model studies and observational data allow for a comparison/contrast of different agents and reveals a lack of potential toxicity for some agents (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, 1,3-dimethylamylamine, phentermine) in this broad category. Data show that compounds within the broad group of sympathomimetics display divergent pharmacological and toxicological profiles and can be clearly distinguished with respect to liver injury. These data serve as a reminder to clinicians and others, that even small structural differences between molecules can lead to drastically different pharmacological/toxicological profiles and that one should not assume that all sympathomimetic agents are hepatotoxic. Such assumptions could lead to diagnostic errors and incorrect or insufficient treatment.
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McLaughlin G, Baumann MH, Kavanagh PV, Morris N, Power JD, Dowling G, Twamley B, O’Brien J, Hessman G, Westphal F, Walther D, Brandt SD. Synthesis, analytical characterization, and monoamine transporter activity of the new psychoactive substance 4-methylphenmetrazine (4-MPM), with differentiation from its ortho- and meta- positional isomers. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:1404-1416. [PMID: 29673128 PMCID: PMC7316143 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The availability of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the recreational drug market continues to create challenges for scientists in the forensic, clinical and toxicology fields. Phenmetrazine (3-methyl-2-phenylmorpholine) and an array of its analogs form a class of psychostimulants that are well documented in the patent and scientific literature. The present study reports on two phenmetrazine analogs that have been encountered on the NPS market following the introduction of 3-fluorophenmetrazine (3-FPM), namely 4-methylphenmetrazine (4-MPM), and 3-methylphenmetrazine (3-MPM). This study describes the syntheses, analytical characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of the positional isomers of MPM. Analytical characterizations employed various chromatographic, spectroscopic, and mass spectrometric platforms. Pharmacological studies were conducted to assess whether MPM isomers might display stimulant-like effects similar to the parent compound phenmetrazine. The isomers were tested for their ability to inhibit uptake or stimulate release of tritiated substrates at dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin transporters using in vitro transporter assays in rat brain synaptosomes. The analytical characterization of three vendor samples revealed the presence of 4-MPM in two of the samples and 3-MPM in the third sample, which agreed with the product label. The pharmacological findings suggest that 2-MPM and 3-MPM will exhibit stimulant properties similar to the parent compound phenmetrazine, whereas 4-MPM may display entactogen properties more similar to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The combination of test purchases, analytical characterization, targeted organic synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of NPS and their isomers is an effective approach for the provision of data on these substances as they emerge in the marketplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8, D08W9RT, Ireland
- Forensic Science Ireland, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08HN3X, Ireland
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Suite 4400, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Pierce V. Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8, D08W9RT, Ireland
| | - Noreen Morris
- Department of Life & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37HD68, Ireland
| | - John D. Power
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8, D08W9RT, Ireland
- Forensic Science Ireland, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08HN3X, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Dowling
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8, D08W9RT, Ireland
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, Sligo Institute of Technology, Ash Lane, Sligo, F91YW50, Ireland
| | - Brendan Twamley
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, D02EV57, Ireland
| | - John O’Brien
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, D02EV57, Ireland
| | - Gary Hessman
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, D02EV57, Ireland
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Section Narcotics/Toxicology, Mühlenweg 166, D-24116 Kiel, Germany
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Suite 4400, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Simon D. Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
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Alsufyani HA, Docherty JR. Direct and indirect effects of ephedrine on heart rate and blood pressure in vehicle-treated and sympathectomised male rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 825:34-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Pantano F, Tittarelli R, Mannocchi G, Pacifici R, di Luca A, Busardò FP, Marinelli E. Neurotoxicity Induced by Mephedrone: An up-to-date Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:738-749. [PMID: 27908258 PMCID: PMC5771050 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666161130130718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone is a β-ketoamphetamine belonging to the family of synthetic cathinones, an emerging class of designer drugs known for their hallucinogenic and psychostimulant properties as well as for their abuse potential. The aim of this review was to examine the emerging scientific literature on the possible mephedrone-induced neurotoxicity, yet not well defined due to the limited number of experimental studies, mainly carried on animal models. Relevant scientific articles were identified from international literature databases (Medline, Scopus, etc.) using the keywords: “Mephedrone”, “4-MMC,” “neurotoxicity,” “neuropharmacology”, “patents”, “monoamine transporters” and “neurochemical effects”. Of the 498 sources initially found, only 36 papers were suitable for the review. Neurotoxic effect of mephedrone on 5-HT and DA systems remains controversial. Although some studies in animal models reported no damage to DA nerve endings in the striatum and no significant changes in brain monoamine levels, some others suggested a rapid reduction in 5-HT and DA transporter function. Persistent serotonergic deficits were observed after binge like treatment in a warm environment and in both serotonergic and dopaminergic nerve endings at high ambient temperature. Oxidative stress cytotoxicity and an increase in frontal cortex lipid peroxidation were also reported. In vitro cytotoxic properties were also observed, suggesting that mephedrone may act as a reductant agent and can also determine changes in mitochondrial respiration. However, due to the differences in the design of the experiments, including temperature and animal model used, the results are difficult to compare. Further studies on toxicology and pharmacology of mephedrone are therefore necessary to establish an appropriate treatment for substance abuse and eventual consequences for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Pantano
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Roberta Tittarelli
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Giulio Mannocchi
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Roberta Pacifici
- Drug Abuse and Doping Unit, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome. Italy
| | - Alessandro di Luca
- Drug Abuse and Doping Unit, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome. Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy. Italy
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
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36
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Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring compound cathinone, the main psychoactive ingredient in the khat plant Catha edulis. Cathinone is the β-keto analog of amphetamine, and all synthetic cathinones display a β-keto moiety in their structure. Several synthetic cathinones are widely prescribed medications (e.g., bupropion, Wellbutrin®), while others are problematic drugs of abuse (e.g., 4-methylmethcathinone, mephedrone). Similar to amphetamines, synthetic cathinones are psychomotor stimulants that exert their effects by impairing the normal function of plasma membrane transporters for dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET), and 5-HT (SERT). Ring-substituted cathinones like mephedrone are transporter substrates that evoke neurotransmitter release by reversing the normal direction of transporter flux (i.e., releasers), whereas pyrrolidine-containing cathinones like 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) are potent transporter inhibitors that block neurotransmitter uptake (i.e., blockers). Regardless of molecular mechanism, all synthetic cathinones increase extracellular monoamine concentrations in the brain, thereby enhancing cell-to-cell monoamine signaling. Here, we briefly review the mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships, and in vivo pharmacology of synthetic cathinones. Overall, the findings show that certain synthetic cathinones are powerful drugs of abuse that could pose significant risk to users.
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Deconstructing the traditional Japanese medicine "Kampo": compounds, metabolites and pharmacological profile of maoto, a remedy for flu-like symptoms. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2017; 3:32. [PMID: 29075514 PMCID: PMC5654968 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-017-0032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological activities of the traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo) are putatively mediated by complex interactions between multiple herbal compounds and host factors, which are difficult to characterize via the reductive approach of purifying major bioactive compounds and elucidating their mechanisms by conventional pharmacology. Here, we performed comprehensive compound, pharmacological and metabolomic analyses of maoto, a pharmaceutical-grade Kampo prescribed for flu-like symptoms, in normal and polyI:C-injected rats, the latter suffering from acute inflammation via Toll-like receptor 3 activation. In total, 352 chemical composition-determined compounds (CCDs) were detected in maoto extract by mass spectrometric analysis. After maoto treatment, 113 CCDs were newly detected in rat plasma. Of these CCDs, 19 were present in maoto extract, while 94 were presumed to be metabolites generated from maoto compounds or endogenous substances such as phospholipids. At the phenotypic level, maoto ameliorated the polyI:C-induced decrease in locomotor activity and body weight; however, body weight was not affected by individual maoto components in isolation. In accordance with symptom relief, maoto suppressed TNF-α and IL-1β, increased IL-10, and altered endogenous metabolites related to sympathetic activation and energy expenditure. Furthermore, maoto decreased inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and increased anti-inflammatory eicosapentaenoic acid and hydroxyl-eicosapentaenoic acids, suggesting that it has differential effects on eicosanoid metabolic pathways involving cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450s. Collectively, these data indicate that extensive profiling of compounds, metabolites and pharmacological phenotypes is essential for elucidating the mechanisms of herbal medicines, whose vast array of constituents induce a wide range of changes in xenobiotic and endogenous metabolism. Pharmacological activities of Kampo, or traditional Japanese herbal medicine, are putatively mediated by complex interactions between the plant-derived compounds and endogenous molecules. To elucidate these properties, we performed comprehensive phytochemical profiling, and pharmacological and metabolomic analyses of maoto, an herbal remedy for flu-like symptoms. In the plasma of maoto-treated rats, we detected maoto-derived compounds, metabolites produced from the chemical transformation of maoto compounds by host metabolism and gut microbes, and endogenous metabolites that were appeared following maoto administration. In an acute inflammatory rat model, maoto ameliorated symptoms of sickness behavior, suppressed inflammatory cytokines, and extensively affected common metabolites and lipid mediators. These data suggest that the diverse chemical composition of Kampo broadly affects the host’s endogenous metabolism and exerts specific pharmacological effects.
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Lu Y, Li Y, Xiang M, Zhou J, Chen J. Khat promotes human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis via mitochondria and MAPK-associated pathways. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:3947-3952. [PMID: 28943902 PMCID: PMC5604101 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a flowering evergreen plant in Eastern Africa and Southwestern Arabia. Consumption of Khat has been associated with the development of oral cancer, but its mechanism of action on the molecular level remains unclear. The present study demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of khat extracts on the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Trypan blue exclusion assays, flow cytometry, fluorescent and electron microscopy, as well as western blotting were used to analyze the effects of Khat on the cell viability of breast cancer cells, expression of apoptotic-associated proteins and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results of the present study demonstrated that treatment with 400 µg/ml khat was able to induce cell death in breast cancers, with an increase in the protein expression of apoptosis regulator Bax and a decrease in the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2, along with a decrease in ROS levels in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the expression of activated c-Jun N-terminal and extracellular regulated protein kinases was increased in khat-treated cells compared with untreated cells. Mitochondria participated in cell apoptosis through the release of apoptogenic proteins to the cytosol and the generation of excess reactive oxygen species. The results of the present study suggest that khat induces MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis via MAPK activation and mitochondrial-mediated death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Nantong University, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Min Xiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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Abstract
The present review briefly explores the neurotoxic properties of methcathinone, mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), four synthetic cathinones most commonly found in "bath salts." Cathinones are β-keto analogs of the commonly abused amphetamines and display pharmacological effects resembling cocaine and amphetamines, but despite their commonalities in chemical structures, synthetic cathinones possess distinct neuropharmacological profiles and produce unique effects. Among the similarities of synthetic cathinones with their non-keto analogs are their targeting of monoamine systems, the release of neurotransmitters, and their stimulant properties. Most of the literature on synthetic cathinones has focused on describing their properties as psychostimulants, their behavioral effects on locomotion, memory, and potential for abuse, whereas descriptions of their neurotoxic properties are not abundant. The biochemical gauges of neurotoxicity induced by non-keto analogs are well studied in humans and experimental animals and include their ability to induce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, temperature alterations as well as dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems and induce changes in monoamine transporters and receptors. These neurotoxicity gauges will serve as parameters to discuss the effects of the four previously mentioned synthetic cathinones alone or in combination with either another cathinone or with some of their non-keto analogs. Bath salts are not a defined combination of drugs and may consist of one synthetic cathinone compound or combinations of more cathinones. Furthermore, this review also presents some of the mechanisms that are thought to underlie this toxicity. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the synthetic cathinones-induced neurotoxicity should contribute to generate modern therapeutic approaches to prevent or attenuate the adverse consequences of use of these drugs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - John H Anneken
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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Feng LY, Battulga A, Han E, Chung H, Li JH. New psychoactive substances of natural origin: A brief review. J Food Drug Anal 2017; 25:461-471. [PMID: 28911631 PMCID: PMC9328809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-based drugs of abuse are as old as recorded human history. Although traditional addictive substances, such as opium, cannabis and coca, have been controlled by the United Nations anti-drug conventions, many, if not most, natural plants with addictive or abuse liability remain elusive. Therefore, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned the emerging threat from new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are mostly derived or modified from the constituents of natural origin. For example, synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones are derived from the cannabis and khat plant, respectively. In this review, we briefly discussed the chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of five common NPS of natural origin, i.e., khat, kratom, salvia, magic mushroom and mandrake. Through the review, we hope that professionals and general public alike can pay more attention to the potential problems caused by natural NPS, and suitable control measures will be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yi Feng
- Ph.D. Program in Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung,
Taiwan
| | - Altansuvd Battulga
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung,
Taiwan
| | - Eunyoung Han
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul,
South Korea
| | - Heesun Chung
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon,
South Korea
| | - Jih-Heng Li
- Ph.D. Program in Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung,
Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung,
Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung,
Taiwan
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41
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Alsufyani HA, Docherty JR. Gender differences in the effects of cathinone and the interaction with caffeine on temperature and locomotor activity in the rat. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 809:203-208. [PMID: 28529142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated gender differences in the effects of cathinone and the interaction with caffeine on temperature and movement activity in Wistar rats. Telemetry probes were implanted in rats under isoflurane anaesthesia, and 7 days later, temperature and activity were recorded in conscious unrestrained animals. Caffeine (10mg/lkg) or vehicle, and 30min later, cathinone (5mg/kg) or vehicle, were injected subcutaneously. Cathinone produced significant and marked increases in activity, and the response to cathinone was significantly greater in female animals. The combination of caffeine and cathinone causes a short lived potentiation followed by a prolonged inhibition of the activity response to cathinone. Cathinone alone had minor effects on temperature. However, the combination of caffeine and cathinone produced a significant acute rise in temperature only in male rats in the 90min after cathinone injection. Hence, cathinone caused greater increases in activity in female than in male rats. Secondly, caffeine produced an initial potentiation followed by a prolonged inhibition of the activity response to cathinone. Thirdly, cathinone in combination with caffeine significantly raised temperature acutely in male but not female rats. These differences highlight the need to carry out gender studies of the actions of stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel A Alsufyani
- Department of Physiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Department of Physiology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - James R Docherty
- Department of Physiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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42
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Glennon RA. The 2014 Philip S. Portoghese Medicinal Chemistry Lectureship: The "Phenylalkylaminome" with a Focus on Selected Drugs of Abuse. J Med Chem 2017; 60:2605-2628. [PMID: 28244748 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The phenylalkylamine, particularly the phenylethylamine, moiety is a common structural feature found embedded in many clinically approved agents. Greater still is its occurrence in drugs of abuse. The simplest phenylethylamine, 2-phenylethylamine itself, is without significant central action when administered at moderate doses, but fairly simple structural modifications profoundly impact its pharmacology and result in large numbers of useful pharmacological tools, agents with therapeutic potential, and in drugs of abuse (e.g., hallucinogens, central stimulants, empathogens), the latter of which are the primary focus here. In vivo drug discrimination techniques and in vitro receptor/transporter methods have been applied to understand the actions of these phenylalkylamines and their mechanisms of action. Thus far, depending upon pendent substituents, certain receptors (e.g., serotonin receptors) and monoamine transporters (i.e., serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine transporters) have been implicated as playing major roles in the actions of these abused agents in a complex and, at times, interwoven manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Glennon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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43
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McLaughlin G, Morris N, Kavanagh PV, Power JD, Dowling G, Twamley B, O'Brien J, Hessman G, Murphy B, Walther D, Partilla JS, Baumann MH, Brandt SD. Analytical characterization and pharmacological evaluation of the new psychoactive substance 4-fluoromethylphenidate (4F-MPH) and differentiation between the (±)-threo and (±)-erythro diastereomers. Drug Test Anal 2017; 9:347-357. [PMID: 28103426 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Misuse of (±)-threo-methylphenidate (methyl-2-phenyl-2-(piperidin-2-yl)acetate; Ritalin®; MPH) has long been acknowledged, but the appearance of MPH analogs in the form of 'research chemicals' has only emerged in more recent years. 4-Fluoromethylphenidate (4F-MPH) is one of these recent examples. This study presents the identification and analytical characterization of two powdered 4F-MPH products that were obtained from an online vendor in 2015. Interestingly, the products appeared to have originated from two distinct batches given that one product consisted of (±)-threo-4F-MPH isomers whereas the second sample consisted of a mixture of (±)-threo and (±)-erythro 4F-MPH. Monoamine transporter studies using rat brain synaptosomes revealed that the biological activity of the 4F-MPH mixture resided with the (±)-threo and not the (±)-erythro isomers based on higher potencies determined for blockage of dopamine uptake (IC50 4F-MPHmixture = 66 nM vs. IC50 (±)-threo = 61 nM vs. IC50 (±)-erythro = 8,528 nM) and norepinephrine uptake (IC50 4F-MPHmixture = 45 nM vs. (±)-threo = 31 nM vs. IC50 (±)-erythro = 3,779 nM). In comparison, MPH was three times less potent than (±)-threo-4F-MPH at the dopamine transporter (IC50 = 131 nM) and around 2.5 times less potent at the norepinephrine transporter (IC50 = 83 nM). Both substances were catecholamine selective with IC50 values of 8,805 nM and >10,000 nM for (±)-threo-4F-MPH and MPH at the serotonin transporter. These findings suggest that the psychostimulant properties of (±)-threo-4F-MPH might be more potent in humans than MPH. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin McLaughlin
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37HD68, Ireland.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, D08W9RT, Ireland
| | - Noreen Morris
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37HD68, Ireland
| | - Pierce V Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, D08W9RT, Ireland
| | - John D Power
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, D08W9RT, Ireland.,Forensic Science Ireland, Garda HQ, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08HN3X, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Dowling
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, D08W9RT, Ireland.,School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Sciences and Health, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street, Dublin 8, D08NF82, Ireland
| | - Brendan Twamley
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, D02EV57, Ireland
| | - John O'Brien
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, D02EV57, Ireland
| | - Gary Hessman
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, D02EV57, Ireland
| | - Brian Murphy
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Sciences and Health, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street, Dublin 8, D08NF82, Ireland
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Suite 4400, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Suite 4400, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Suite 4400, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
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44
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Abstract
Until recently, there was rather little interest in the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of cathinone analogs because so few agents were available and because they represented a relatively minor drug abuse problem. Most of the early SAR was formulated on the basis of behavioral (e.g., locomotor and drug discrimination) studies using rodents. With the emergence on the clandestine market in the last few years of a large number of new cathinone analogs, termed "synthetic cathinones", and the realization that they likely act at dopamine, norepinephrine, and/or serotonin transporters as releasing agents (i.e., as substrates) or reuptake inhibitors (i.e., as transport blockers), it has now become possible to better examine their SAR and even their quantitative SAR (QSAR), in a more effective and systematic manner. An SAR picture is beginning to emerge, and key structural features, such as the nature of the terminal amine, the size of the α-substituent, stereochemistry, and the presence and position of aromatic substituents, are being found to impact action (i.e., as releasing agents or reuptake inhibitors) and transporter selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Glennon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
| | - Małgorzata Dukat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
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45
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Negus SS, Banks ML. Decoding the Structure of Abuse Potential for New Psychoactive Substances: Structure-Activity Relationships for Abuse-Related Effects of 4-Substituted Methcathinone Analogs. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:119-131. [PMID: 27696217 PMCID: PMC5425248 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many cathinone analogs act as substrates or inhibitors at dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters (DAT, NET, SERT, respectively). Drug selectivity at DAT vs. SERT is a key determinant of abuse potential for monoamine transporter substrates and inhibitors, such that potency at DAT > SERT is associated with high abuse potential, whereas potency at DAT < SERT is associated with low abuse potential. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies with a series of 4-substituted methcathinone analogs identified volume of the 4-position substituent on the methcathinone phenyl ring as one structural determinant of both DAT vs. SERT selectivity and abuse-related behavioral effects in an intracranial self-stimulation procedure in rats. Subsequent modeling studies implicated specific amino acids in DAT and SERT that might interact with 4-substituent volume to determine effects produced by this series of cathinone analogs. These studies illustrate use of QSAR analysis to investigate pharmacology of cathinones and function of monoamine transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stevens Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Matthew L Banks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Smith DA, Blough BE, Banks ML. Cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects of amphetamine, cathinone, methamphetamine, and their 3,4-methylenedioxy analogs in male rhesus monkeys. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:117-127. [PMID: 27709249 PMCID: PMC5203958 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4444-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic cathinones have emerged as the newest class of abused monoamine transporter substrates. Structurally, these compounds are all beta-ketone amphetamine (cathinone) analogs. Whether synthetic cathinone analogs produce differential behavioral effects from their amphetamine analog counterparts has not been systematically examined. Preclinical drug discrimination procedures have been useful for determining the structure activity relationships (SARs) of abused drugs; however, direct comparisons between amphetamine and cathinone analogs are lacking and, in particular, in non-human primate models. OBJECTIVES The study aim was to determine the potency and time course of (±)-amphetamine, (±)-cathinone, and (±)-methamphetamine and their 3,4-methylenedioxy analogs (±)-MDA, (±)-MDC, and (±)-MDMA, respectively, to produce cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects. If cathinone analogs have similar behavioral pharmacological properties to their amphetamine counterparts, then we would predict similar potencies and efficacies to produce cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects. METHODS Male rhesus monkeys (n = 4) were trained to discriminate intramuscular cocaine (0.32 mg/kg) from saline in a two-key food-reinforced discrimination procedure. RESULTS Racemic amphetamine, cathinone, and methamphetamine produced dose-dependent and full substitution, ≥90 % cocaine-appropriate responding, in all monkeys. Addition of 3,4-methylenedioxy moiety attenuated both the potency and efficacy of amphetamine (MDA), cathinone (MDC), and methamphetamine (MDMA) to produce full cocaine-like effects. Moreover, the cocaine-like effects of amphetamine and cathinone were attenuated to a greater extent than those of methamphetamine or previously published methcathinone (Smith et al. 2016). CONCLUSION The presence of an N-methyl group blunted both the potency and the efficacy shift of the 3,4-methylenedioxy addition for both amphetamine and cathinone analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA 23298
| | - Bruce. E. Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Matthew L. Banks
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA 23298,Corresponding Author: Matthew L. Banks, PharmD, PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 N. 12th St., PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298, , Phone: 804-828-8466, Fax: 804-828-2117
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47
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Baumann MH, Bukhari MO, Lehner KR, Anizan S, Rice KC, Concheiro M, Huestis MA. Neuropharmacology of 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), Its Metabolites, and Related Analogs. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:93-117. [PMID: 27830575 PMCID: PMC5392131 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a psychoactive component of so-called bath salts products that has caused serious medical consequences in humans. In this chapter, we review the neuropharmacology of MDPV and related analogs, and supplement the discussion with new results from our preclinical experiments. MDPV acts as a potent uptake inhibitor at plasma membrane transporters for dopamine (DAT) and norepinephrine (NET) in nervous tissue. The MDPV formulation in bath salts is a racemic mixture, and the S isomer is much more potent than the R isomer at blocking DAT and producing abuse-related effects. Elevations in brain extracellular dopamine produced by MDPV are likely to underlie its locomotor stimulant and addictive properties. MDPV displays rapid pharmacokinetics when injected into rats (0.5-2.0 mg/kg), with peak plasma concentrations achieved by 10-20 min and declining quickly thereafter. MDPV is metabolized to 3,4-dihydroxypyrovalerone (3,4-catechol-PV) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxypyrovalerone (4-OH-3-MeO-PV) in vivo, but motor activation produced by the drug is positively correlated with plasma concentrations of parent drug and not its metabolites. 3,4-Catechol-PV is a potent uptake blocker at DAT in vitro but has little activity after administration in vivo. 4-OH-3-MeO-PV is the main MDPV metabolite but is weak at DAT and NET. MDPV analogs, such as α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), display similar ability to inhibit DAT and increase extracellular dopamine concentrations. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that MDPV and its analogs represent a unique class of transporter inhibitors with a high propensity for abuse and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mohammad O Bukhari
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kurt R Lehner
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sebastien Anizan
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marta Concheiro
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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McLaughlin G, Morris N, Kavanagh PV, Power JD, Dowling G, Twamley B, O'Brien J, Talbot B, Walther D, Partilla JS, Baumann MH, Brandt SD. Synthesis, characterization and monoamine transporter activity of the new psychoactive substance mexedrone and its N-methoxy positional isomer, N-methoxymephedrone. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:358-368. [PMID: 27524685 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
3-Methoxy-2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one (mexedrone) appeared in 2015 and was advertised by UK Internet retailers as a non-controlled mephedrone derivative (2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one), which was of particular interest to countries who operate generic drugs legislation. This study describes the synthesis and analytical characterization of mexedrone and the differentiation from its isomer, N-methoxymephedrone, which was predicted to be a suitable candidate before the identity of mexedrone was revealed. A full analytical characterization is described using various chromatographic, spectroscopic and mass spectrometric platforms and X-ray crystal structure analysis. The analytical data obtained for a vendor sample were consistent with the synthesized mexedrone reference standard and analytical differentiation between the mexedrone and N-methoxymephedrone positional isomers was achieved. Furthermore, α-chloromethylmephedrone was identified as a by-product during mexedrone synthesis. All three substances were also studied for their uptake and releasing properties at dopamine transporters (DAT), norepinephrine transporters (NET) and serotonin transporters (SERT) using in vitro monoamine transporter assays in rat brain synaptosomes and compared to mephedrone. Mexedrone was a weak non-selective uptake blocker with IC50 values in the low μM range. It was also devoid of releasing activity at DAT and NET but displayed weak releasing activity at SERT (EC50 = 2.5 μM). The isomer N-methoxymephedrone was found to be a weak uptake blocker at DAT, NET and SERT, as well as a fully efficacious substrate-type releasing agent across all three transporters with EC50 values in the low micromolar range. The synthesis by-product α-chloromethylmephedrone was inactive in all assays. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin McLaughlin
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, School of Science, Athlone Institute of Technology, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Noreen Morris
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, School of Science, Athlone Institute of Technology, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Pierce V Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - John D Power
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.,Forensic Science Ireland, Garda HQ, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Dowling
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Brendan Twamley
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John O'Brien
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Brian Talbot
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Hutsell BA, Baumann MH, Partilla JS, Banks ML, Vekariya R, Glennon RA, Negus SS. Abuse-related neurochemical and behavioral effects of cathinone and 4-methylcathinone stereoisomers in rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:288-297. [PMID: 26738428 PMCID: PMC5331761 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cathinone and many of its analogs produce behavioral effects by promoting transporter-mediated release of the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and/or serotonin. Stereoselectivity is one determinant of neurochemical and behavioral effects of cathinone analogs. This study compared effectiveness of the S(-) and R(+) enantiomers of cathinone and 4-methylcathinone to produce in vitro monoamine release and in vivo abuse-related behavioral effects in rats. For neurochemical studies, drug effects were evaluated on monoamine release through dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters (DAT, NET and SERT, respectively) in rat brain synaptosomes. For behavioral studies, drug effects were evaluated on responding for electrical brain stimulation in an intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure. The cathinone enantiomers differed in potency [S(-)>R(+)], but both enantiomers were >50-fold selective at promoting monoamine release through DAT vs. SERT, and both enantiomers produced ICSS facilitation. The 4-methylcathinone enantiomers also differed in potency [S(-)>R(+)]; however, in neurochemical studies, the decrease in potency from S(-) to R(+)4-methylcathinone was less for DAT than for SERT, and as a result, DAT vs. SERT selectivity was greater for R(+) than for S(-)4-methylcathinone (4.1- vs. 1.2-fold). Moreover, in behavioral studies, S(-)4-methylcathinone produced only ICSS depression, whereas R(+)4-methylcathinone produced ICSS facilitation. This study provides further evidence for stereoselectivity in neurochemical and behavioral actions of cathinone analogs. More importantly, stereoselective 4-methylcathinone effects on ICSS illustrate the potential for diametrically opposite effects of enantiomers in a preclinical behavioral assay of abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A Hutsell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 N. 12th St., PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew L Banks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 N. 12th St., PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
| | - Rakesh Vekariya
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Richard A Glennon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - S Stevens Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 N. 12th St., PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.
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50
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Characterization of aromatic aminotransferases from Ephedra sinica Stapf. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1209-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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