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Kim OH, Jeon KO, Kim G, Jang CG, Yoon SS, Jang EY. The neuropharmacological properties of α-pyrrolidinobutiothiophenone, a new synthetic cathinone, in rodents; role of the dopaminergic system. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38772548 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE α-Pyrrolidinobutiothiophenone (α-PBT) is a chemical derivative of cathinone, a structural analogue of amphetamine. Until now, there have been a few previous neurochemical or neurobehavioural studies on the abuse potential of α-PBT. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the abuse potential of α-PBT by measuring psychomotor, rewarding, and reinforcing properties and methamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects in rodents using locomotor activity, conditioned place preference, self-administration, and drug discrimination studies. To clarify the underlying neuropharmacological mechanisms, we measured dopamine levels and neuronal activation in the dorsal striatum. In addition, we investigated the role of the dopamine D1 receptor or D2 receptors in α-PBT-induced hyperlocomotor activity, conditioned place preference, and the methamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effect of α-PBT in rodents. KEY RESULTS α-PBT promoted hyperlocomotor activity in mice. α-PBT induced drug-paired place preference in mice and supported self-administration in rats. In a drug discrimination experiment, α-PBT fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine in rats. Furthermore, α-PBT increased dopamine levels and c-Fos expression in the dorsal striatum of mice, which was associated with these behaviours. Finally, pretreatment with the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 or the D2 receptors antagonist eticlopride significantly attenuated acute or repeated α-PBT-induced hyperlocomotor activity, place preference, and the methamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects in rodents. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that α-PBT has abuse potential at the highest dose tested via enhanced dopaminergic transmission in the dorsal striatum of rodents. The results provide scientific evidence for the legal restrictions of the recreational use of α-PBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oc-Hee Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Oh Jeon
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gihyeon Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shoon Yoon
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Jang
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Jeon KO, Kim OH, Seo SY, Yun J, Jang CG, Lim RN, Kim TW, Yang CH, Yoon SS, Jang EY. The psychomotor, reinforcing, and discriminative stimulus effects of synthetic cathinone mexedrone in male mice and rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 969:176466. [PMID: 38431243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The chronic use of the novel synthetic cathinone mexedrone, like other psychoactive drugs, can be considered addictive, with a high potential for abuse and the ability to cause psychological dependence in certain users. However, little is known about the neurobehavioral effects of mexedrone in association with its potential for abuse. We investigated the abuse potential for mexedrone abuse through multiple behavioral tests. In addition, serotonin transporter (SERT) levels were measured in the synaptosome of the dorsal striatum, and serotonin (5-HT) levels were measured in the dorsal striatum of acute mexedreone (50 mg/kg)-treated mice. To clarify the neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying the locomotor response of mexedrone, the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) was administered prior to the acute injection of mexedrone in the locomotor activity experiment in mice. Mexedrone (10-50 mg/kg) produced a significant place preference in mice and mexedrone (0.1-0.5 mg/kg/infusion) maintained self-administration behavior in rats in a dose-dependent manner. In the drug discrimination experiment, mexedrone (5.6-32 mg/kg) was fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine in rats. Mexedrone increased locomotor activity, and these effects were reversed by pretreatment with M100907. Acute mexedrone significantly increased c-Fos expression in the dorsal striatum and decreased SERT levels in the synaptosome of the dorsal striatum of mice, resulting in an elevation of 5-HT levels. Taken together, our results provide the possibility that mexedrone has abuse potential, which might be mediated, at least in part, by the activation of the serotonergic system in the dorsal striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Oh Jeon
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Oc-Hee Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Yeon Seo
- Korean Medicine (KM) Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 194-31 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ri-Na Lim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Wan Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Ha Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 136 Sincheondong-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, 42158, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shoon Yoon
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 136 Sincheondong-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, 42158, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun Young Jang
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
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Pulver B, Fischmann S, Gallegos A, Christie R. EMCDDA framework and practical guidance for naming cathinones. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38389255 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Cathinones are often sold as "legal" alternatives to controlled stimulants such as amphetamine, MDMA and cocaine. Cathinones are the second largest group of new psychoactive substances (NPS), with close to 170 monitored by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Although all cathinones are related to the parent compound cathinone, one of the psychoactive principles in khat, assigning consistent, informative and user-friendly common names to these substances is challenging. Over time different naming approaches have been applied, leading to cathinones being known by several names. This work provides a framework and practical examples for the consistent naming of cathinones which is easy to understand and can be applied by the forensic community, researchers, clinical practitioners, and policy makers. The scope of the issue and rationale for earlier naming approaches are also discussed. The new naming framework has been developed based on established naming approaches and centered around the common "cathinone," and "phenone" motifs/scaffolds. The proposed framework establishes clear rules to derive the EMCDDA framework names for cathinones. Each name is, in turn, composed by a principal name containing a parent letter, derived after the "cathinone" or the "phenone" scaffold. Additional substitutions are prepended to the principal name. The framework also provides for exceptions for several cathinones and structural analogs scheduled under UN and EU legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Pulver
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Fischmann
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ana Gallegos
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rachel Christie
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
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Corli G, Tirri M, Arfè R, Marchetti B, Bernardi T, Borsari M, Odoardi S, Mestria S, Strano-Rossi S, Neri M, Gaudio RM, Bilel S, Marti M. Pharmaco-Toxicological Effects of Atypical Synthetic Cathinone Mephtetramine (MTTA) in Mice: Possible Reasons for Its Brief Appearance over NPSs Scene. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020161. [PMID: 36831704 PMCID: PMC9954072 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last year, NPSs have been steadily on the rise in the illicit drug market. Among these, synthetic cathinones seem to become increasingly popular among young adults, mainly because of their ability to replicate the effects of traditional psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine, MDMA and amphetamines. However, scarce data are available about the in vivo pharmaco-toxicology of these new substances. To this end, this study focused on evaluation of effects induced by repeated administration of mephtetramine (MTTA 0.1-30 mg/kg i.p.) in mice. This atypical cathinone highlighted a sensorial (inhibition of visual and acoustic reflexes) and transient physiological parameter (decrease in breath rate and temperature) change in mice. Regarding motor activity, both a dose-dependent increase (accelerod test) and biphasic effect (drag and mobility time test) have been shown. In addition, blood and urine samples have been analysed to enrich the experimental featuring of the present study with reference to evaluation of potential toxicity related to consumption of MTTA. The latter analysis has particularly revealed important changes in blood cells count and blood and urine physicochemical profile after repeated treatment with this atypical cathinone. Moreover, MTTA induced histological changes in heart, kidney and liver samples, emphasizing its potential toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Beatrice Marchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Borsari
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Odoardi
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Mestria
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Strano-Rossi
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Gaudio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 00186 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Regulates Drug Reward Behavior via Glutamate Decarboxylase 67 Transcription. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910486. [PMID: 34638827 PMCID: PMC8508987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and GABAergic neuronal activity is involved in drug abuse-related behavior. However, its role in drug-dependent Pavlovian conditioning is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a CB1 agonist, JWH-210, on the development of conditioned place preference (CPP)-induced by methamphetamine (METH). Pretreatment with a synthetic cannabinoid, JWH-210 (CB1 agonist), increased METH-induced CPP score and METH-induced dopamine release in acute striatal slices. Interestingly, CB1 was expressed in glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) positive cells, and overexpression of CB1 increased GAD67 expression, while CB1 knockdown reduced GAD67 expression in vivo and in vitro. GAD67 is known as an enzyme involved in the synthesis of GABA. CB1 knockdown in the mice striatum increased METH-induced CPP. When GAD67 decreased in the mice striatum, mRNA level of CB1 did not change, suggesting that CB1 can regulate GAD67 expression. GAD67 knockdown in the mouse striatum augmented apomorphine (dopamine receptor D2 agonist)–induced climbing behavior and METH-induced CPP score. Moreover, in the human brain, mRNA level of GAD67 was found to be decreased in drug users. Therefore, we suggest that CB1 potentiates METH-induced CPP through inhibitory GABAergic regulation of dopaminergic neuronal activity.
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Cumming P, Gründer G, Brinson Z, Wong DF. Applications, Advances, and Limitations of Molecular Imaging of Brain Receptors. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Custodio RJP, Sayson LV, Botanas CJ, Abiero A, You KY, Kim M, Lee HJ, Yoo SY, Lee KW, Lee YS, Seo J, Ryu IS, Kim HJ, Cheong JH. 25B-NBOMe, a novel N-2-methoxybenzyl-phenethylamine (NBOMe) derivative, may induce rewarding and reinforcing effects via a dopaminergic mechanism: Evidence of abuse potential. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12850. [PMID: 31749223 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of N-2-methoxybenzyl-phenethylamine (NBOMe) derivatives are being misused worldwide, including the potent hallucinogen 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25B-NBOMe). However, the number of studies characterizing the abuse potential and psychopharmacological properties of 25B-NBOMe is limited; thus, we examined its rewarding and reinforcing effects using conditioned place preference (CPP) and self-administration (SA) tests. Pretreatment with SCH23390 (SCH), Haloperidol (HAL), and ketanserin (KS), antagonists of dopamine D1 (DRD1 ), dopamine D2 (DRD2 ), and serotonin 2A (5-HT2A receptor) receptors, respectively, was utilized during a CPP test to investigate the involvement of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in 25B-NBOMe-mediated effects. We also examined the effects of 25B-NBOMe on the expression of dopamine-related proteins in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Then, we measured the dopamine level, phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), deltaFosB (ΔFosB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the NAcc. In addition, we explored the involvement of 5-HT2A receptors in the 25B-NBOMe-induced head twitch response (HTR). We also examined the effects of 25B-NBOMe on brain wave activity using electroencephalography. 25B-NBOMe elicited CPP and SA. SCH and HAL blocked 25B-NBOMe-induced CPP, whereas KS did not. Moreover, 25B-NBOMe altered the DRD1 , DRD2 , and dopamine transporter expression and increased dopamine levels. It also induced changes in p-CREB, ΔFosB, and BDNF expression. 25B-NBOMe induced HTR and increased 5-HT2A receptor mRNA levels, effects inhibited by KS. Furthermore, 25B-NBOMe altered delta and gamma wave activity, which was normalized by SCH and HAL. These findings show that 25B-NBOMe may induce rewarding and reinforcing effects via a dopaminergic mechanism, suggesting its abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raly James Perez Custodio
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Leandro Val Sayson
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Arvie Abiero
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Yi You
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yeun Yoo
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Kyung Hee University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Kun Won Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Kyung Hee University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Kyung Hee University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Joung‐Wook Seo
- Center for Safety Pharmacology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - In Soo Ryu
- Center for Safety Pharmacology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
- School of Pharmacy Chonbuk National University Jeonju‐si Republic of Korea
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Custodio RJP, Sayson LV, Botanas CJ, Abiero A, Kim M, Lee HJ, Ryu HW, Lee YS, Kim HJ, Cheong JH. Two newly-emerging substituted phenethylamines MAL and BOD induce differential psychopharmacological effects in rodents. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:1056-1067. [PMID: 32648801 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120936458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the recreational use of substituted phenethylamines has grown rapidly. Among these are 2-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-((2-methylallyl)oxy)phenyl)ethanamine (MAL) and 2-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-methoxyethan-1-amine (BOD). However, studies characterizing their abuse potential are still lacking. AIM The purpose of this study was to investigate the abuse potential of MAL and BOD. METHODS The psychostimulant, reinforcing, and rewarding properties of MAL and BOD were analyzed using locomotor sensitization, self-administration, and conditioned place preference tests. Dopamine antagonists (i.e. SCH23390, haloperidol) were administered during conditioned place preference to evaluate the involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine system. Furthermore, dopamine-related protein expression in the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area was measured along with dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens. Electroencephalography was conducted to determine effects of MAL and BOD on brain wave activity. RESULTS MAL induced psychostimulant effects and sensitization, while BOD induced locomotor depression in mice. Only MAL was self-administered by rats. Both drugs induced conditioned place preference in mice at different doses; dopamine receptor antagonists blocked MAL- and BOD-induced conditioned place preference. Both the compounds altered the expression of dopamine receptor D1 and D2 proteins in the nucleus accumbens and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter in the ventral tegmental area, enhanced dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, and increased delta and gamma wave activities in the brain. CONCLUSIONS MAL may induce abuse potential via the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and possibly accompanied by alterations in brain wave activity. Moreover, the lack of rewarding and reinforcing effects in BOD suggest that this drug may have little to no capability to engender compulsive behavior, though having found to induce alterations in dopaminergic system and brain wave activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leandro Val Sayson
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Arvie Abiero
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Won Ryu
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Designer Cathinones N-Ethylhexedrone and Buphedrone Show Different In Vitro Neurotoxicity and Mice Behaviour Impairment. Neurotox Res 2020; 39:392-412. [PMID: 32535718 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00229-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
N-Ethylhexedrone (NEH) and buphedrone (Buph) are emerging synthetic cathinones (SC) with limited information about their detrimental effects within central nervous system. Objectives: To distinguish mice behavioural changes by NEH and Buph and validate their differential harmful impact on human neurons and microglia. In vivo safety data showed the typical induced behaviour of excitation and stereotypies with 4-64 mg/kg, described for other SC. Buph additionally produced jumping and aggressiveness signs, while NEH caused retropulsion and circling. Transient reduction in body-weight gain was obtained with NEH at 16 mg/kg and induced anxiolytic-like behaviour mainly with Buph. Both drugs generated place preference shift in mice at 4 and 16 mg/kg, suggestive of abuse potential. In addition, mice withdrawn NEH displayed behaviour suggestive of depression, not seen with Buph. When tested at 50-400 μM in human nerve cell lines, NEH and Buph caused neuronal viability loss at 100 μM, but only NEH produced similar results in microglia, indicating different cell susceptibilities. NEH mainly induced microglial late apoptosis/necrosis, while Buph caused early apoptosis. NEH was unique in triggering microglia shorter/thicker branches indicative of cell activation, and more effective in increasing microglial lysosomal biogenesis (100 μM vs. 400 μM Buph), though both produced the same effect on neurons at 400 μM. These findings indicate that NEH and Buph exert neuro-microglia toxicities by distinct mechanisms and highlight NEH as a specific inducer of microglia activation. Buph and NEH showed in vivo/in vitro neurotoxicities but enhanced specific NEH-induced behavioural and neuro-microglia dysfunctionalities pose safety concerns over that of Buph.
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Abiero A, Botanas CJ, Custodio RJ, Sayson LV, Kim M, Lee HJ, Kim HJ, Lee KW, Jeong Y, Seo JW, Ryu IS, Lee YS, Cheong JH. 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo, new dissociative drugs, produce rewarding and reinforcing effects through activation of mesolimbic dopamine pathway and alteration of accumbal CREB, deltaFosB, and BDNF levels. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:757-772. [PMID: 31828394 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05412-y] [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: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A high number of synthetic dissociative drugs continue to be available through online stores, leading to their misuse. Recent inclusions in this category are 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo, analogs of phencyclidine. Although the dissociative effects of these drugs and their recreational use have been reported, no studies have investigated their abuse potential. OBJECTIVES To examine their rewarding and reinforcing effects and explore the mechanistic correlations. METHODS We used conditioned place preference (CPP), self-administration, and locomotor sensitization tests to assess the rewarding and reinforcing effects of the drugs. We explored their mechanism of action by pretreating dopamine receptor (DR) D1 antagonist SCH23390 and DRD2 antagonist haloperidol during CPP test and investigated the effects of 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo on dopamine-related proteins in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens. We also measured the levels of dopamine, phosphorylated cyclic-AMP response element-binding (p-CREB) protein, deltaFosB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the nucleus accumbens. Additionally, we examined the effects of both drugs on brain wave activity using electroencephalography. RESULTS While both 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo induced CPP and self-administration, only 4-MeO-PCP elicited locomotor sensitization. SCH23390 and haloperidol inhibited the acquisition of drug CPP. 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo altered the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, DRD1, DRD2, and dopamine, as well as that of p-CREB, deltaFosB, and BDNF. All drugs increased the delta and gamma wave activity, whereas pretreatment with SCH23390 and haloperidol inhibited it. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo induce rewarding and reinforcing effects that are probably mediated by the mesolimbic dopamine system, suggesting an abuse liability in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvie Abiero
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Raly James Custodio
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Leandro Val Sayson
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Kun Won Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngdo Jeong
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Joung-Wook Seo
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 305-343, Republic of Korea
| | - In Soo Ryu
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 305-343, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea. .,School of Pharmacy, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
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11
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A novel designer drug, 25N-NBOMe, exhibits abuse potential via the dopaminergic system in rodents. Brain Res Bull 2019; 152:19-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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12
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Development of a high throughput methodology to screen cathinones' toxicological impact. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:1-9. [PMID: 30870699 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Current trend of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) among teenagers is posing new clinical, scientific and forensic societal questions. Synthetic cathinones are among the most consumed groups of NPS appearing on the street market and internet on a regular basis. The properties of these substances change regularly, due to structural modification to circumvent legislation. This practice makes almost impossible to characterize its toxicological profiles on an acceptable time scale, mostly due to the time-consuming experiments that must be held in animal models or human cells by standard methods. Such an issue demands the development of a rapid and inexpensive methodology to be used as a high-throughput screening of cathinones' toxicity. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae shares highly conserved molecular and cellular mechanisms with human cells and has been used before for pharmacological drugs. In the present work it is proposed to use S. cerevisiae growth curves as a high throughput screening method to profile synthetic cathinones toxicity in a short time scale. The results obtained by S. cerevisiae growth curves analysis were compared to differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuronal cells and similar responses were found. The screening tool methodology has shown able to prioritize the most toxics NPS and can be useful for early warning programs on NPS.
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13
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Botanas CJ, Yoon SS, de la Peña JB, Dela Peña IJ, Kim M, Woo T, Seo JW, Jang CG, Park KT, Lee YH, Lee YS, Kim HJ, Cheong JH. The abuse potential of two novel synthetic cathinones with modification on the alpha-carbon position, 2-cyclohexyl-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylethanone (MACHP) and 2-(methylamino)-1-phenyloctan-1-one (MAOP), and their effects on dopaminergic activity. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 153:160-167. [PMID: 28063946 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The recreational use of synthetic cathinones has dramatically increased in recent years, which is partly due to easy accessibility and ability of synthetic cathinones to exert rewarding effects similar to cocaine and methamphetamine. Many synthetic cathinones have already been scheduled in several countries; however, novel and diverse synthetic cathinones are emerging at an unprecedented rate, often outpacing regulatory processes. Recently, designer modifications of the basic cathinone molecule are usually performed on the alpha-carbon position. In this study, we designed and synthesized two novel synthetic cathinones with substituents on alpha-carbon position, [1] 2-cyclohexyl-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylethanone (MACHP), and [2] 2-(methylamino)-1-phenyloctan-1-one (MAOP). Then, we evaluated their rewarding and reinforcing effects through the conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice and self-administration (SA) test in rats. Locomotor activity was also assessed in mice during daily MACHP or MAOP treatment for 7days and drug challenge. qRT-PCR analyses were conducted to determine their effects on dopamine-related genes in the striatum. MACHP and MAOP produced CPP at 10 and 30mg/kg. In the SA test, MACHP (1mg/kg/infusion), but not MAOP, was self-administered. Both MACHP and MAOP induced locomotor sensitization in mice. qRT-PCR analyses showed that MACHP and MAOP reduced dopamine transporter gene expression in the striatum. These data indicate that MACHP and MAOP may have rewarding properties, which might be attributed to their ability to affect the dopaminergic activity. These findings may be useful in predicting the abuse potential and hasten the regulation of future cathinone entities with similar modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shoon Yoon
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 305-343, Republic of Korea
| | - June Bryan de la Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Irene Joy Dela Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeseon Woo
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Joung-Wook Seo
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 305-343, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Tae Park
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hun Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Weinstein AM, Rosca P, Fattore L, London ED. Synthetic Cathinone and Cannabinoid Designer Drugs Pose a Major Risk for Public Health. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:156. [PMID: 28878698 PMCID: PMC5572353 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of an increasing worldwide use of designer drugs, recent use of compounds containing cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids is especially prevalent. Here, we reviewed current literature on the prevalence, epidemiology, bio-behavioral effects, and detection of these compounds. Gender differences and clinical effects will also be examined. Chronic use of synthetic cathinone compounds can have major effects on the central nervous system and can induce acute psychosis, hypomania, paranoid ideation, and delusions, similar to the effects of other better-known amphetamine-type stimulants. Synthetic cannabinoid products have effects that are somewhat similar to those of natural cannabis but more potent and long-lasting than THC. Some of these compounds are potent and dangerous, having been linked to psychosis, mania, and suicidal ideation. Novel compounds are developed rapidly and new screening techniques are needed to detect them as well as a rigorous regulation and legislation reinforcement to prevent their distribution and use. Given the rapid increase in the use of synthetic cathinones and cannabinoid designer drugs, their potential for dependence and abuse, and harmful medical and psychiatric effects, there is a need for research and education in the areas of prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviv M Weinstein
- Department of Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Paola Rosca
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Edythe D London
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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