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Wojtas A, Gołembiowska K. Molecular and Medical Aspects of Psychedelics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:241. [PMID: 38203411 PMCID: PMC10778977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010241] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychedelics belong to the oldest psychoactive drugs. They arouse recent interest due to their therapeutic applications in the treatment of major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, end-of-life anxiety,= and anxiety symptoms, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In this review, the current state of preclinical research on the mechanism of action, neurotoxicity, and behavioral impact of psychedelics is summarized. The effect of selective 5-HT2A receptor agonists, 25I- and 25B-NBOMe, after acute and repeated administration is characterized and compared with the effects of a less selective drug, psilocybin. The data show a significant effect of NBOMes on glutamatergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic neurotransmission in the frontal cortex, striatum, and nucleus accumbens. The increases in extracellular levels of neurotransmitters were not dose-dependent, which most likely resulted from the stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptor and subsequent activation of the 5-HT2C receptors. This effect was also observed in the wet dog shake test and locomotor activity. Chronic administration of NBOMes elicited rapid development of tolerance, genotoxicity, and activation of microglia. Acute treatment with psilocybin affected monoaminergic and aminoacidic neurotransmitters in the frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus but not in the amygdala. Psilocybin exhibited anxiolytic properties resulting from intensification of GABAergic neurotransmission. The data indicate that NBOMes as selective 5-HT2A agonists exert a significant effect on neurotransmission and behavior of rats while also inducing oxidative DNA damage. In contrast to NBOMes, the effects induced by psilocybin suggest a broader therapeutic index of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Unit II, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
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Herian M, Skawski M, Wojtas A, Sobocińska MK, Noworyta K, Gołembiowska K. Tolerance to neurochemical and behavioral effects of the hallucinogen 25I-NBOMe. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2349-2364. [PMID: 34032876 PMCID: PMC8292280 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE 4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe) is a potent serotonin 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist with hallucinogenic activity. There is no data on the 25I-NBOMe effect on brain neurotransmission and animal performance after chronic administration. OBJECTIVES We examined the effect of a 7-day treatment with 25I-NBOMe (0.3 mg/kg/day) on neurotransmitters' release and rats' behavior in comparison to acute dose. METHODS Changes in dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), acetylcholine (ACh), and glutamate release were studied using microdialysis in freely moving rats. The hallucinogenic activity was measured in the wet dog shake (WDS) test. The animal locomotion was examined in the open field (OF) test, short-term memory in the novel object recognition (NOR) test. The anxiogenic/anxiolytic properties of the drug were tested using the light/dark box (LDB) test. RESULTS Repeated administration of 25I-NBOMe decreased the response to a challenge dose of DA, 5-HT, and glutamatergic neurons in the frontal cortex as well as weakened the hallucinogenic activity in comparison to acute dose. In contrast, striatal and accumbal DA and 5-HT release and accumbal but not striatal glutamate release in response to the challenge dose of 25I-NBOMe was increased in comparison to acute treatment. The ACh release was increased in all brain regions. Behavioral tests showed a motor activity reduction and memory deficiency in comparison to a single dose and induction of anxiety after the drug's chronic and acute administration. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that multiple injections of 25I-NBOMe induce tolerance to hallucinogenic activity and produce alterations in neurotransmission. 25I-NBOMe effect on short-term memory, locomotor function, and anxiety seems to be the result of complex interactions between neurotransmitter pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Herian
- Department of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz Skawski
- Department of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adam Wojtas
- Department of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata K Sobocińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Noworyta
- Department of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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Rudin D, Liechti ME, Luethi D. Molecular and clinical aspects of potential neurotoxicity induced by new psychoactive stimulants and psychedelics. Exp Neurol 2021; 343:113778. [PMID: 34090893 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive stimulants and psychedelics continue to play an important role on the illicit new psychoactive substance (NPS) market. Designer stimulants and psychedelics both affect monoaminergic systems, although by different mechanisms. Stimulant NPS primarily interact with monoamine transporters, either as inhibitors or as substrates. Psychedelic NPS most potently interact with serotonergic receptors and mediate their mind-altering effects mainly through agonism at serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A) receptors. Rarely, designer stimulants and psychedelics are associated with potentially severe adverse effects. However, due to the high number of emerging NPS, it is not possible to investigate the toxicity of each individual substance in detail. The brain is an organ particularly sensitive to substance-induced toxicity due to its high metabolic activity. In fact, stimulant and psychedelic NPS have been linked to neurological and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, studies using in vitro cell models or rodents indicate a variety of mechanisms that could potentially lead to neurotoxic damage in NPS users. Cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress may potentially contribute to neurotoxicity of stimulant NPS in addition to altered neurochemistry. Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor-mediated toxicity, oxidative stress, and activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathways could contribute to neurotoxicity of some psychedelic NPS. However, it remains unclear how well the current preclinical data of NPS-induced neurotoxicity translate to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Rudin
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dino Luethi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.
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Wojtas A, Herian M, Skawski M, Sobocińska M, González-Marín A, Noworyta-Sokołowska K, Gołembiowska K. Neurochemical and Behavioral Effects of a New Hallucinogenic Compound 25B-NBOMe in Rats. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:305-326. [PMID: 33337517 PMCID: PMC7936972 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00297-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25B-NBOMe) is a hallucinogen exhibiting high binding affinity for 5-HT2A/C serotonin receptors. In the present work, we investigated its effect on dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), acetylcholine (ACh), and glutamate release in the rat frontal cortex, striatum, and nucleus accumbens. Hallucinogenic activity, impact on cognitive and motor functions, and anxiogenic/anxiolytic properties of this compound were also tested. The release of DA, 5-HT, ACh, and glutamate was studied using microdialysis in freely moving animals. Hallucinogenic activity was investigated using head and body twitch response (WDS), cognitive functions were examined with the novel object recognition test (NOR), locomotor activity was studied in the open field (OF), while anxiogenic/anxiolytic effect was tested using the light/dark box (LDB). Neurotoxicity was evaluated with the comet assay. 25B-NBOMe increased DA, 5-HT, and glutamate release in all studied brain regions, induced hallucinogenic activity, and lowered the recognition index (Ri) vs. control in the NOR test. It also decreased locomotor activity of rats in the OF test. The effect of 25B-NBOMe in the NOR test was inhibited by scopolamine. In the LDB test, the time spent in the dark zone was longer in comparison to control and was dose-dependent. In contrast to MDMA, 25B-NBOMe showed subtle genotoxic effect observed in the comet assay.Our findings indicate that 25B-NBOMe shows hallucinogenic activity in the wide range of doses. The changes in neurotransmitter levels may be related to 25B-NBOMe affinity for 5-HT2A receptor. Alterations in the NOR, OF, and LDB indicate that 25B-NBOMe impacts short-term memory, locomotion, and may be anxiogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Wojtas
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Herian
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz Skawski
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sobocińska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Alejandro González-Marín
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Noworyta-Sokołowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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Hagino Y, Hall FS, Uhl GR, Sora I, Ikeda K. Dual actions of 5-MeO-DIPT at the serotonin transporter and serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor in the mouse striatum and prefrontal cortex. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2021; 41:91-101. [PMID: 33547882 PMCID: PMC8182963 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims 5‐Methoxy‐N,N‐diisopropyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DIPT) is a synthetic orally active hallucinogenic tryptamine analogue. The present study examined whether the effects of 5‐MeO‐DIPT involve the serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐1A (5‐HT1A) receptor in the striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Methods We investigated the effects of 5‐MeO‐DIPT on extracellular 5‐HT (5‐HTex) and dopamine (DAex) levels in the striatum and PFC in wildtype and SERT knockout (KO) mice using in vivo microdialysis, and for comparison the effects of the 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 and the 5‐HT1A receptor agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT on 5‐HTex. Results 5‐MeO‐DIPT decreased 5‐HTex levels in the striatum, but not PFC. In SERT‐KO mice, 5‐MeO‐DIPT did not affect 5‐HTex levels in the striatum or PFC. In the presence of WAY100635, 5‐MeO‐DIPT substantially increased 5‐HTex levels, suggesting that 5‐MeO‐DIPT acts on SERT and these effects are masked by its 5‐HT1A actions in the absence of WAY100635. 8‐OH‐DPAT decreased 5‐HTex levels in the striatum and PFC in wildtype mice. WAY100635 antagonized the 8‐OH‐DPAT‐induced decrease in 5‐HTex levels. In SERT‐KO mice, 8‐OH‐DPAT did not decrease 5‐HTex levels in the striatum and PFC. 5‐MeO‐DIPT dose‐dependently increased DAex levels in the PFC, but not striatum, in wildtype and SERT‐KO mice. The increase in DAex levels that was induced by 5‐MeO‐DIPT was not antagonized by WAY100635. Conclusion 5‐MeO‐DIPT influences both 5‐HTex and DAex levels in the striatum and PFC. 5‐MeO‐DIPT dually acts on SERT and 5‐HT1A receptors so that elevations in 5‐HTex levels produced by reuptake inhibition are limited by actions of the drug on 5‐HT1A receptors. 5‐MeO‐DIPT influences both 5‐HTex and DAex levels in the striatum and PFC. 5‐MeO‐DIPT dually acts on SERT and 5‐HT1A receptors so that elevations in 5‐HTex levels produced by reuptake inhibition are limited by actions of the drug on 5‐HT1A receptors.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Hagino
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Frank Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - George R Uhl
- Neurology and Research Services, New Mexico VA Healthcare System, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ichiro Sora
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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Malaca S, Lo Faro AF, Tamborra A, Pichini S, Busardò FP, Huestis MA. Toxicology and Analysis of Psychoactive Tryptamines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9279. [PMID: 33291798 PMCID: PMC7730282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of tryptamines is poor due to the lack of data globally. Tryptamines currently are not part of typical toxicology testing regimens and their contribution to drug overdoses may be underestimated. Although their prevalence was low, it is increasing. There are few published data on the many new compounds, their mechanisms of action, onset and duration of action, toxicity, signs and symptoms of intoxication and analytical methods to identify tryptamines and their metabolites. We review the published literature and worldwide databases to describe the newest tryptamines, their toxicology, chemical structures and reported overdose cases. Tryptamines are 5-HT2A receptor agonists that produce altered perceptions of reality. Currently, the most prevalent tryptamines are 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DiPT), 5-methoxy-N,N- diallyltryptamine (5-MeO-DALT) and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). From 2015 to 2020, 22 new analytical methods were developed to identify/quantify tryptamines and metabolites in biological samples, primarily by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The morbidity accompanying tryptamine intake is considerable and it is critical for clinicians and laboratorians to be informed of the latest data on this public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Malaca
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche” of Ancona, Via Tronto 10, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.M.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche” of Ancona, Via Tronto 10, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.M.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Alice Tamborra
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche” of Ancona, Via Tronto 10, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.M.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, V.Le Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche” of Ancona, Via Tronto 10, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.M.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA;
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Herian M, Wojtas A, Sobocińska MK, Skawski M, González-Marín A, Gołembiowska K. Contribution of serotonin receptor subtypes to hallucinogenic activity of 25I-NBOMe and to its effect on neurotransmission. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1593-1603. [PMID: 33174181 PMCID: PMC7704505 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00181-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe) is a potent serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonist with hallucinogenic properties. The aim of our research was to examine the role of the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A serotonin receptor subtypes in 25I-NBOMe hallucinogenic activity and its effect on dopamine (DA), 5-HT and glutamate release in the rat frontal cortex. METHODS Hallucinogenic activity was investigated using the wet dog shake (WDS) test. The release of DA, 5-HT and glutamate in the rat frontal cortex was studied using a microdialysis in freely moving rats. Neurotransmitter levels were analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. The selective antagonists of the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A serotonin receptor subtypes: M100907, SB242084 and WAY100635, respectively were applied through a microdialysis probe. RESULTS The WDS response to 25I-NBOMe (1 and 3 mg/kg) was significantly reduced by local administration of M100907 and SB242084 (100 nM). The 25I-NBOMe-induced increase in glutamate, DA and 5-HT release was inhibited by M100907 and SB242084. WAY100635 had no effect on 25I-NBOMe-induced WDS and glutamate release, while it decreased DA and 5-HT release from cortical neuronal terminals. CONCLUSION The obtained results suggest that 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors play a role in 25I-NBOMe-induced hallucinogenic activity and in glutamate, DA and 5-HT release in the rat frontal cortex as their respective antagonists attenuated the effect of this hallucinogen. The disinhibition of GABA cells by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist seems to underlie the mechanism of decreased DA and 5-HT release from neuronal terminals in the frontal cortex.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Dimethoxyphenylethylamine/analogs & derivatives
- Dimethoxyphenylethylamine/pharmacology
- Dopamine/metabolism
- Frontal Lobe/drug effects
- Frontal Lobe/metabolism
- Glutamic Acid/metabolism
- Hallucinogens/pharmacology
- Male
- Microdialysis
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C/metabolism
- Serotonin/metabolism
- Serotonin Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Synaptic Transmission/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Herian
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adam Wojtas
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Mateusz Skawski
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Alejandro González-Marín
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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Zawilska JB, Kacela M, Adamowicz P. NBOMes-Highly Potent and Toxic Alternatives of LSD. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:78. [PMID: 32174803 PMCID: PMC7054380 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a new class of psychedelic compounds named NBOMe (or 25X-NBOMe) has appeared on the illegal drug market. NBOMes are analogs of the 2C family of phenethylamine drugs, originally synthesized by Alexander Shulgin, that contain a N-(2-methoxy)benzyl substituent. The most frequently reported drugs from this group are 25I-NBOMe, 25B-NBOMe, and 25C-NBOMe. NBOMe compounds are ultrapotent and highly efficacious agonists of serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors (Ki values in low nanomolar range) with more than 1000-fold selectivity for 5-HT2A compared with 5-HT1A. They display higher affinity for 5-HT2A receptors than their 2C counterparts and have markedly lower affinity, potency, and efficacy at the 5-HT2B receptor compared to 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C. The drugs are sold as blotter papers, or in powder, liquid, or tablet form, and they are administered sublingually/buccally, intravenously, via nasal insufflations, or by smoking. Since their introduction in the early 2010s, numerous reports have been published on clinical intoxications and fatalities resulting from the consumption of NBOMe compounds. Commonly observed adverse effects include visual and auditory hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, panic and fear, agitation, uncontrollable violent behavior, seizures, excited delirium, and sympathomimetic signs such mydriasis, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, and diaphoresis. Rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and multiorgan failure were also reported. This survey provides an updated overview of the pharmacological properties, pattern of use, metabolism, and desired effects associated with NBOMe use. Special emphasis is given to cases of non-fatal and lethal intoxication involving these compounds. As the analysis of NBOMes in biological materials can be challenging even for laboratories applying modern sensitive techniques, this paper also presents the analytical methods most commonly used for detection and identification of NBOMes and their metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta B Zawilska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Monika Kacela
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Piotr Adamowicz
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland
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Yan X, Xiang P, Zhao Y, Yu Z, Yan H. Determination of 5-MeO-DIPT in Human Urine Using Gas Chromatography Coupled with High-Resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry. J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:461-469. [PMID: 32020169 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-Diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) is a designer hallucinogen derived from tryptamine and its use has been banned by many countries. In this study, a qualitative and quantitative method was developed for determining 5-MeO-DIPT in urine by gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. 5-hydroxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-OH-DIPT) and 5-methoxy-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-IPT) were identified as 5-MeO-DIPT metabolites in abusers’ urine. 5-MeO-DIPT was extracted from urine by liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate under alkaline conditions. The extract was analyzed by GC-Orbitrap-MS in full scan mode with a resolution of 60,000 full width at half maxima (FWHM). The linear range of this method was 2–300 ng/mL with r > 0.99, and the limit of detection was 1 ng/mL. The accuracy and precision were 93–108.7% and 3.1–10.3%, respectively. This method is simple and sensitive. It has been successfully used to detect 5-MeO-DIPT in drug abusers’ urine, which showed that the concentrations of 5-MeO-DIPT were between 1 and 2.8 ng/mL. 5-OH-DIPT and 5-MeO-IPT, two urinary major metabolites of 5-MeO-DIPT, were identified in urine samples from 5-MeO-DIPT users. Furthermore, the stability of 5-MeO-DIPT in human urine was investigated. It was discovered that the concentration of 5-MeO-DIPT in urine decreased by 22.8, 33.2 and 38.2% after samples were stored for 24 h at 25°C, 5 days at 4°C and 7 days at 4°C, respectively. And 5-MeO-DIPT in urine were stable after they were stored for 30 days at −20°C. Therefore, it is recommended that urine should be stored under freezing conditions before performing 5-MeO-DIPT analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuying Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key laboratory of Forensic Medicine, 1347 West Guangfu Road, Shanghai 20063, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key laboratory of Forensic Medicine, 1347 West Guangfu Road, Shanghai 20063, China
| | - Yunli Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhiguo Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key laboratory of Forensic Medicine, 1347 West Guangfu Road, Shanghai 20063, China
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Herian M, Wojtas A, Kamińska K, Świt P, Wach A, Gołembiowska K. Hallucinogen-Like Action of the Novel Designer Drug 25I-NBOMe and Its Effect on Cortical Neurotransmitters in Rats. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:91-100. [PMID: 30989482 PMCID: PMC6570696 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
NBOMes are N-benzylmethoxy derivatives of the 2C family hallucinogens. 4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe) is one of the commonly used illicit drugs. It exhibits high binding affinity for 5-HT2A/C and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. Activation of 5-HT2A receptor induces head-twitch response (HTR) in rodents, a behavioral marker of hallucinogen effect in humans. There is not much data on neurochemical properties of NBOMes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of 25I-NBOMe on extracellular level of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and glutamate (GLU) in the rat frontal cortex, tissue contents of monoamines, and hallucinogenic activity in rats. The extracellular levels of DA, 5-HT, and GLU were studied using microdialysis in freely moving animals. The tissue contents of DA, 5-HT and their metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were determined in the rat frontal cortex. We also tested a drug-elicited HTR. 25I-NBOMe at doses 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg (sc) increased extracellular DA, 5-HT, and GLU levels, enhanced tissue content of 5-HT and 5-HIAA, but did not affect tissue level of DA and its metabolites. The compound exhibited an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve with respect to the effect on extracellular DA and 5-HT levels, but a U-shaped dose-response curve was observed for its effect on GLU release and HTR. The data from our study suggest that hallucinogenic activity of 25I-NBOMe seems to be related with the increase in extracellular GLU level-mediated via cortical 5-HT2A receptors. The influence of 25I-NBOMe on 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors may modulate its effect on neurotransmitters and HTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Herian
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adam Wojtas
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Świt
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Wach
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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Noworyta-Sokołowska K, Górska AM, Gołembiowska K. The effect of repeated-intermittent exposure to 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) during adolescence on learning and memory in adult rats. Pharmacol Rep 2018; 70:890-895. [PMID: 32002966 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the European Drug Report, the use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) is constantly growing. NPS are widely abused by human adolescent subjects. 5-Methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) is one of the most frequently used hallucinogenic NPS. 5-MeO-DIPT intoxication results in hallucinations, vomiting, and tachycardia. Long-term exposure to 5-MeO-DIPT was reported to lead to development of post-hallucinogenic perception disorder. The aim of the present study was to determine whether repeated-intermittent administration of 5-MeO-DIPT during adolescence affects learning and memory in adult rats. METHODS Rats were treated with 5-MeO-DIPT in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg from 30 to 33 and 37 to 40 Postnatal Day (PND). The experiments were conducted when the animals reached 90 PND. The effect of 5-MeO-DIPT on cognitive functions was assessed using the novel object recognition, open field, and serial pattern learning (SPL) tests. RESULTS Repeated-intermittent exposure to 5-MeO-DIPT during adolescence decreased the number of crossings in the open field test at adulthood. Moreover, 5-MeO-DIPT treatment impaired adult rats' learning in the SPL test. There was no change in the novel object recognition test. CONCLUSIONS The present results show that the performance of adult rats treated with 5-MeO-DIPT during adolescence was impaired in the open field test, which indicates the attenuated exploratory activity. 5-MeO-DIPT treatment undermined adult rats' performance in the serial pattern learning test, suggesting impairment of long term memory and cognitive flexibility. The present study showed that the exposure to 5-MeO-DIPT during adolescence might lead to long-lasting behavioral changes which persisted long after the exposure period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Maria Górska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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12
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Noworyta-Sokołowska K, Kamińska K, Rzemieniec J, Wnuk A, Wojcieszak J, Górska AM, Kreiner G, Kajta M, Gołembiowska K. Effects of exposure to 5-MeO-DIPT during adolescence on brain neurotransmission and neurotoxicity in adult rats. Forensic Toxicol 2018; 37:45-58. [PMID: 30636982 PMCID: PMC6315008 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0433-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tryptamine hallucinogen 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) is a serotonin transporter inhibitor with high affinity for serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/C receptors. We showed previously that 5-MeO-DIPT in a single dose increased neurotransmitter release in brain regions of rats and elicited single- and double-strand DNA breaks. Herein we investigated the effects of repeated-intermittent 5-MeO-DIPT administration in adolescence on dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and glutamate release in brain regions of adult rats. Furthermore, we examined caspase-3 activity, oxidative DNA damage, the Gpx3, Sod1, Ht1a and Ht2a mRNA expression levels, and cell viability. METHODS Neurotransmitter release was measured by microdialysis in freely moving animals. Caspase-3 activity was assessed colorimetrically, and oxidative DNA damage with the comet assay, while the Gpx3, Sod1, Ht1a and Ht2a mRNA expression levels were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability was studied in SH-SY5Y and Hep G2 cells by the MTT test. RESULTS We observed changed responses of DA, 5-HT and glutamate neurons to a challenge dose of 5-MeO-DIPT when animals were treated repeatedly in adolescence with this hallucinogen. The basal extracellular levels of DA and 5-HT were decreased in the striatum and nucleus accumbens, while glutamate level was increased in the nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex. The damage of cortical DNA, increased Gpx3 and Sod1 mRNA expression and affected caspase-3 activity were also observed. Furthermore, decreased Ht1a and Ht2a mRNA expression in the frontal cortex and marked cytotoxicity of 5-MeO-DIPT were found. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that 5-MeO-DIPT given repeatedly during adolescence affects brain neurotransmission and shows neurotoxic potential observed in adult animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Noworyta-Sokołowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Rzemieniec
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wnuk
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jakub Wojcieszak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Łódź, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Łódź, Poland
| | - Anna Maria Górska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kreiner
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kajta
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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Pereira LS, Lisboa FL, Coelho Neto J, Valladão FN, Sena MM. Screening method for rapid classification of psychoactive substances in illicit tablets using mid infrared spectroscopy and PLS-DA. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 288:227-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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14
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Lisdahl KM, Sher KJ, Conway KP, Gonzalez R, Feldstein Ewing SW, Nixon SJ, Tapert S, Bartsch H, Goldstein RZ, Heitzeg M. Adolescent brain cognitive development (ABCD) study: Overview of substance use assessment methods. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2018; 32:80-96. [PMID: 29559216 PMCID: PMC6375310 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the objectives of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (https://abcdstudy.org/) is to establish a national longitudinal cohort of 9 and 10 year olds that will be followed for 10 years in order to prospectively study the risk and protective factors influencing substance use and its consequences, examine the impact of substance use on neurocognitive, health and psychosocial outcomes, and to understand the relationship between substance use and psychopathology. This article provides an overview of the ABCD Study Substance Use Workgroup, provides the goals for the workgroup, rationale for the substance use battery, and includes details on the substance use module methods and measurement tools used during baseline, 6-month and 1-year follow-up assessment time-points. Prospective, longitudinal assessment of these substance use domains over a period of ten years in a nationwide sample of youth presents an unprecedented opportunity to further understand the timing and interactive relationships between substance use and neurocognitive, health, and psychopathology outcomes in youth living in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Lisdahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 East Hartford Ave, 224 Garland Hall, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, United States.
| | - Kenneth J Sher
- Curators' Professor of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, 210 McAlester Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Kevin P Conway
- Division of Epidemiology, Services and Prevention Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse,6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Raul Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University,11200 SW 8th Street AHC-4, 461, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Sarah W Feldstein Ewing
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Mail code: DC7P, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland OR 97239, United States
| | - Sara Jo Nixon
- Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 100256, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Susan Tapert
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0603, United States
| | - Hauke Bartsch
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego,9452 Medical Center Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Department of Psychiatry (primary) and Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute (secondary), Chief, Brain Imaging Center (BIC), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Leon and Norma Hess Center for Science and Medicine, 1470 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Mary Heitzeg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan,4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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15
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Proposal of 5-methoxy- N -methyl- N -isopropyltryptamine consumption biomarkers through identification of in vivo metabolites from mice. J Chromatogr A 2017; 1508:95-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Hassan Z, Bosch OG, Singh D, Narayanan S, Kasinather BV, Seifritz E, Kornhuber J, Quednow BB, Müller CP. Novel Psychoactive Substances-Recent Progress on Neuropharmacological Mechanisms of Action for Selected Drugs. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:152. [PMID: 28868040 PMCID: PMC5563308 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A feature of human culture is that we can learn to consume chemical compounds, derived from natural plants or synthetic fabrication, for their psychoactive effects. These drugs change the mental state and/or the behavioral performance of an individual and can be instrumentalized for various purposes. After the emergence of a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) and a period of experimental consumption, personal and medical benefits and harm potential of the NPS can be estimated on evidence base. This may lead to a legal classification of the NPS, which may range from limited medical use, controlled availability up to a complete ban of the drug form publically accepted use. With these measures, however, a drug does not disappear, but frequently continues to be used, which eventually allows an even better estimate of the drug's properties. Thus, only in rare cases, there is a final verdict that is no more questioned. Instead, the view on a drug can change from tolerable to harmful but may also involve the new establishment of a desired medical application to a previously harmful drug. Here, we provide a summary review on a number of NPS for which the neuropharmacological evaluation has made important progress in recent years. They include mitragynine ("Kratom"), synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., "Spice"), dimethyltryptamine and novel serotonergic hallucinogens, the cathinones mephedrone and methylone, ketamine and novel dissociative drugs, γ-hydroxybutyrate, γ-butyrolactone, and 1,4-butanediol. This review shows not only emerging harm potentials but also some potential medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Darshan Singh
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Narayanan
- School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | | | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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