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Atehortua-Martinez LA, Masniere C, Campolongo P, Chasseigneaux S, Callebert J, Zwergel C, Mai A, Laplanche JL, Chen H, Etheve-Quelquejeu M, Mégarbane B, Benturquia N. Acute and chronic neurobehavioral effects of the designer drug and bath salt constituent 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone in the rat. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:392-405. [PMID: 30644332 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118822151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The substantial increase in use of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), a popular recreational synthetic cathinone, has raised legitimate questions about its behavioral consequences and abuse liability. AIMS The aim of this study was to study MDPV-induced neurobehavioral effects in the rat, using different paradigms traditionally developed to study drug-attributed addictive properties. METHODS Different patterns of intraperitoneal 3 mg/kg MDPV administration were investigated. Consequences on rat horizontal locomotion and behavior of acute, intermittent (once daily dosing over 10 days), and binge (three-time daily dosing for 3 days) MDPV administration as well as challenge after 10 day MDPV withdrawal were studied. The dopamine receptor-D1 antagonist, SCH23390, was bilaterally infused in the nucleus accumbens to determine the role of D1-receptors in MDPV-related effects on the associative memory recall using the conditioned place preference paradigm. In addition, in a separate experience using western blot, we investigated the effects of chronic MDPV administration (four injections during 24 h) on ΔFosB expression in the nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, and prefrontal cortex. RESULTS Acute MDPV administration increased stereotypies and open arm entries in the elevated plus maze while SCH23390 abolished MDPV-induced enhancing effects on memory consolidation. Intermittent MDPV administration resulted in sensitization of MDPV-induced locomotor effects and tolerance during the following challenge. With binge MDPV administration, locomotor activity was not altered despite tolerance onset after challenge. SCH23390 abolished MDPV-induced conditioned place preference. Chronic MDPV administration induced ΔFosB accumulation in the nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, and prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS Our findings clearly show that MDPV produces profound behavioral alterations mediated by the activation of the dopaminergic system similarly to other amphetamines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cyriaque Masniere
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- 2 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome and IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Jacques Callebert
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- 3 Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- 3 Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jean-Louis Laplanche
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Huixiong Chen
- 4 CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Etheve-Quelquejeu
- 4 CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Mégarbane
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France.,5 Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Benturquia
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
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2
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Shekar A, Aguilar JI, Galli G, Cozzi NV, Brandt SD, Ruoho AE, Baumann MH, Matthies HJG, Galli A. Atypical dopamine efflux caused by 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) via the human dopamine transporter. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 83-84:69-74. [PMID: 28163218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2017.01.004] [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: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are similar in chemical structure to amphetamines, and their behavioral effects are associated with enhanced dopaminergic signaling. The past ten years of research on the common constituent of bath salts, MDPV (the synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone), has aided the understanding of how synthetic cathinones act at the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT). Several groups have described the ability of MDPV to block the DAT with high-affinity. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time a new mode of action of MDPV, namely its ability to promote DAT-mediated DA efflux. Using single cell amperometric assays, we determined that low concentrations of MDPV (1nM) can cause reverse transport of DA via DAT. Notably, administration of MDPV leads to hyperlocomotion in Drosophila melanogaster. These data describe further how MDPV acts at the DAT, possibly paving the way for novel treatment strategies for individuals who abuse bath salts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Shekar
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse (N-PISA), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States
| | - Jenny I Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse (N-PISA), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States
| | - Greta Galli
- University School of Nashville, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Nicholas V Cozzi
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Arnold E Ruoho
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Heinrich J G Matthies
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States
| | - Aurelio Galli
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse (N-PISA), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States.
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3
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Watterson LR, Olive MF. Reinforcing Effects of Cathinone NPS in the Intravenous Drug Self-Administration Paradigm. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:133-143. [PMID: 27431398 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Since the mid- to late 2000s, there has been a dramatic rise in the use and abuse of synthetic derivatives of cathinone, a stimulant alkaloid found in the African shrub Catha edulis. Cathinone novel psychoactive substances (NPS), also referred to as synthetic cathinones or "bath salt"-type drugs, have gained popularity among drug users due to their potency, low cost, ease of procurement, and diverse array of evolving chemical structures. While the ability of cathinone NPS to produce psychotomimetic effects, multiple organ system toxicity, and death in humans is well documented, there has been limited scientific investigation into the reinforcing effects and abuse liability of these drugs. In this chapter, we will summarize the existing literature on the reinforcing effects of cathinone NPS in rodents using the intravenous self-administration (IVSA) paradigm. We will also compare the ability of cathinone NPS to serve as reinforcers to that of classical psychostimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The chapter will conclude with a summary and indications for future avenues of research on cathinone NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R Watterson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - M Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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4
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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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5
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Giese C, Igoe D, Gibbons Z, Hurley C, Stokes S, McNamara S, Ennis O, O'Donnell K, Keenan E, De Gascun C, Lyons F, Ward M, Danis K, Glynn R, Waters A, Fitzgerald M. Injection of new psychoactive substance snow blow associated with recently acquired HIV infections among homeless people who inject drugs in Dublin, Ireland, 2015. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 20:30036. [PMID: 26537764 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2015.20.40.30036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In February 2015, an outbreak of recently acquired HIV infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) was identified in Dublin, following similar outbreaks in Greece and Romania in 2011. We compared drug and risk behaviours among 15 HIV cases and 39 controls. Injecting a synthetic cathinone, snow blow, was associated with recent HIV infection (AOR: 49; p=0.003). Prevention and control efforts are underway among PWID in Dublin, but may also be needed elsewhere in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Giese
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Zawilska JB. "Legal Highs"--An Emerging Epidemic of Novel Psychoactive Substances. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 120:273-300. [PMID: 26070762 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, there has been an increase in the availability and use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), also known as "legal highs," across the world. They include a wide range of products, from natural plant-originated substances to synthetic compounds, that can be purchased both online and from high street retailers. "Legal highs" mimic psychoactive effects of illicit drugs of abuse. However, they are claimed to consist of compounds that are legal to sell, possess, and use, often labeled as "not for human consumption" to circumvent drug abuse legislation. Based on the spectrum of their actions on cognitive processes, mood, and behavior, "legal highs" can be classified into four basis categories: amphetamine- and ecstasy-like stimulants, synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), hallucinogenic/dissociative, and opioid-like compounds. NPS may, however, exhibit a combination of these actions due to their designed chemical structure. Although the prevalence and pattern of NPS use differ between various countries, the most popular groups are SCs and psychostimulants, described in this chapter. Currently, there is limited information available on the potential acute toxicity (harms) associated with the use of these substances. However, the number of intoxicated people presenting with emergencies is constantly increasing, providing evidence that negative health and social consequences may indeed seriously affect recreational and chronic users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta B Zawilska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland.
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7
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Abstract
The abuse of synthetic psychoactive substances known as "designer drugs," or "new psychoactive substances" (NPS), is increasing at an alarming rate. NPS are purchased as alternatives to traditional illicit drugs of abuse and are manufactured to circumvent laws regulating the sale and use of controlled substances. Synthetic cathinones (i.e., "bath salts") and synthetic cannabinoids (i.e., "spice") are two types of NPS that have received substantial media attention. Although low recreational doses of bath salts or spice compounds can produce desirable effects, high doses or chronic exposure often leads to dangerous medical consequences, including psychosis, violent behaviors, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and even death. Despite the popularity of NPS, there is a paucity of scientific data about these drugs. Here we provide a brief up-to-date review describing the mechanisms of action and neurobiological effects of synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids.
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8
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Watterson LR, Burrows BT, Hernandez RD, Moore KN, Grabenauer M, Marusich JA, Olive MF. Effects of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone and 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone, two synthetic cathinones commonly found in second-generation "bath salts," on intracranial self-stimulation thresholds in rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 18:pyu014. [PMID: 25522379 PMCID: PMC4368864 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyu014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of synthetic cathinones, which are designer stimulants found in "bath salts," has increased dramatically in recent years. Following governmental bans of methylenedioxypyrovalerone, mephedrone, and methylone, a second generation of synthetic cathinones with unknown abuse liability has emerged as replacements. METHODS Using a discrete trials current intensity threshold intracranial self-stimulation procedure, the present study assessed the effects of 2 common second-generation synthetic cathinones, α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (0.1-5 mg/kg) and 4-methyl-N-ethcathinone (1-100 mg/kg) on brain reward function. Methamphetamine (0.1-3 mg/kg) was also tested for comparison purposes. RESULTS Results revealed both α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone and 4-methyl-N-ethcathinone produced significant intracranial self-stimulation threshold reductions similar to that of methamphetamine. α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (1 mg/kg) produced a significant maximal reduction in intracranial self-stimulation thresholds (~19%) most similar to maximal reductions produced by methamphetamine (1 mg/kg, ~20%). Maximal reductions in intracranial self-stimulation thresholds produced by 4-methyl-N-ethcathinone were observed at 30 mg/kg (~15%) and were comparable with those observed with methamphetamine and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone tested at the 0.3-mg/kg dose (~14%). Additional analysis of the ED50 values from log-transformed data revealed the rank order potency of these drugs as methamphetamine ≈ α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone>4-methyl-N-ethcathinone. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the newer second-generation synthetic cathinones activate the brain reward circuitry and thus may possess a similar degree of abuse potential as prototypical illicit psychostimulants such as methamphetamine as well as the first generation synthetic cathinone methylenedioxypyrovalerone, as previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R Watterson
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Area, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Watterson, Mr Burrows, Mr Hernandez, and Dr Olive); Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Olive); Discovery and Analytical Science, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Drs Moore, Grabenauer, and Marusich).
| | - Brian T Burrows
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Area, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Watterson, Mr Burrows, Mr Hernandez, and Dr Olive); Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Olive); Discovery and Analytical Science, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Drs Moore, Grabenauer, and Marusich)
| | - Raymundo D Hernandez
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Area, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Watterson, Mr Burrows, Mr Hernandez, and Dr Olive); Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Olive); Discovery and Analytical Science, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Drs Moore, Grabenauer, and Marusich)
| | - Katherine N Moore
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Area, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Watterson, Mr Burrows, Mr Hernandez, and Dr Olive); Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Olive); Discovery and Analytical Science, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Drs Moore, Grabenauer, and Marusich)
| | - Megan Grabenauer
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Area, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Watterson, Mr Burrows, Mr Hernandez, and Dr Olive); Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Olive); Discovery and Analytical Science, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Drs Moore, Grabenauer, and Marusich)
| | - Julie A Marusich
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Area, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Watterson, Mr Burrows, Mr Hernandez, and Dr Olive); Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Olive); Discovery and Analytical Science, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Drs Moore, Grabenauer, and Marusich)
| | - M Foster Olive
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Area, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Watterson, Mr Burrows, Mr Hernandez, and Dr Olive); Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Tempe, Arizona (Dr Olive); Discovery and Analytical Science, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Drs Moore, Grabenauer, and Marusich)
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9
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 333 Cassell Drive, Suite 4400, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Watterson LR, Olive MF. Synthetic cathinones and their rewarding and reinforcing effects in rodents. ADVANCES IN NEUROSCIENCE (HINDAWI) 2014; 2014:209875. [PMID: 25328910 PMCID: PMC4199755 DOI: 10.1155/2014/209875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, colloquially referred to as "bath salts", are derivatives of the psychoactive alkaloid cathinone found in Catha edulis (Khat). Since the mid-to-late 2000's, these amphetamine-like psychostimulants have gained popularity amongst drug users due to their potency, low cost, ease of procurement, and constantly evolving chemical structures. Concomitant with their increased use is the emergence of a growing collection of case reports of bizarre and dangerous behaviors, toxicity to numerous organ systems, and death. However, scientific information regarding the abuse liability of these drugs has been relatively slower to materialize. Recently we have published several studies demonstrating that laboratory rodents will readily self-administer the "first generation" synthetic cathinones methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone via the intravenous route, in patterns similar to those of methamphetamine. Under progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, the rank order of reinforcing efficacy of these compounds are MDPV ≥ methamphetamine > methylone. MDPV and methylone, as well as the "second generation" synthetic cathinones α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), also dose-dependently increase brain reward function. Collectively, these findings indicate that synthetic cathinones have a high abuse and addiction potential and underscore the need for future assessment of the extent and duration of neurotoxicity induced by these emerging drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona USA
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