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Gampfer TM, Schütz V, Schippers P, Rasheed S, Baumann J, Wagmann L, Pulver B, Westphal F, Flockerzi V, Müller R, Meyer MR. Metabolism and cytotoxicity studies of the two hallucinogens 1cP-LSD and 4-AcO-DET in human liver and zebrafish larvae models using LC-HRMS/MS and a high-content screening assay. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 245:116187. [PMID: 38692215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116187] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The continuous emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) attracted a great deal of attention within recent years. Lately, the two hallucinogenic NPS 1cP-LSD and 4-AcO-DET have appeared on the global market. Knowledge about their metabolism to identify potential metabolic targets for analysis and their cytotoxic properties is lacking. The aim of this work was thus to study their in vitro and in vivo metabolism in pooled human liver S9 fraction (pHLS9) and in zebrafish larvae (ZL) by means of liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Monooxygenases involved in the initial metabolic steps were elucidated using recombinant human isozymes. Investigations on their cytotoxicity were performed on the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 using a multiparametric, fluorescence-based high-content screening assay. This included measurement of CYP-enzyme mediated effects by means of the unspecific CYP inhibitor 1-aminbenzotriazole (ABT). Several phase I metabolites of both compounds and two phase II metabolites of 4-AcO-DET were produced in vitro and in vivo. After microinjection of 1cP-LSD into the caudal vein of ZL, three out of seven metabolites formed in pHLS9 were also detected in ZL. Twelve 4-AcO-DET metabolites were identified in ZL after exposure via immersion bath and five of them were found in pHLS9 incubations. Notably, unique metabolites of 4-AcO-DET were only produced by ZL, whereas 1cP-LSD specific metabolites were found both in ZL and in pHLS9. No toxic effects were observed for 1cP-LSD and 4-AcO-DET in HepG2 cells, however, two parameters were altered in incubations containing 4-AcO-DET together with ABT compared with incubations without ABT but in concentrations far above expected in vivo concentration. Further investigations should be done with other hepatic cell lines expressing higher levels of CYP enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja M Gampfer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Victoria Schütz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Philip Schippers
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Sari Rasheed
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jonas Baumann
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Lea Wagmann
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - 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; Herrmann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany
| | - Veit Flockerzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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Warren AL, Lankri D, Cunningham MJ, Serrano IC, Parise LF, Kruegel AC, Duggan P, Zilberg G, Capper MJ, Havel V, Russo SJ, Sames D, Wacker D. Structural pharmacology and therapeutic potential of 5-methoxytryptamines. Nature 2024; 630:237-246. [PMID: 38720072 PMCID: PMC11152992 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Psychedelic substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin show potential for the treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders1-3. These compounds are thought to mediate their hallucinogenic and therapeutic effects through the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) receptor 5-HT2A (ref. 4). However, 5-HT1A also plays a part in the behavioural effects of tryptamine hallucinogens5, particularly 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), a psychedelic found in the toxin of Colorado River toads6. Although 5-HT1A is a validated therapeutic target7,8, little is known about how psychedelics engage 5-HT1A and which effects are mediated by this receptor. Here we map the molecular underpinnings of 5-MeO-DMT pharmacology through five cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of 5-HT1A, systematic medicinal chemistry, receptor mutagenesis and mouse behaviour. Structure-activity relationship analyses of 5-methoxytryptamines at both 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A enable the characterization of molecular determinants of 5-HT1A signalling potency, efficacy and selectivity. Moreover, we contrast the structural interactions and in vitro pharmacology of 5-MeO-DMT and analogues to the pan-serotonergic agonist LSD and clinically used 5-HT1A agonists. We show that a 5-HT1A-selective 5-MeO-DMT analogue is devoid of hallucinogenic-like effects while retaining anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like activity in socially defeated animals. Our studies uncover molecular aspects of 5-HT1A-targeted psychedelics and therapeutics, which may facilitate the future development of new medications for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Hallucinogens/pharmacology
- Hallucinogens/chemistry
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/chemistry
- Humans
- Male
- Cryoelectron Microscopy
- Models, Molecular
- 5-Methoxytryptamine/pharmacology
- 5-Methoxytryptamine/chemistry
- 5-Methoxytryptamine/analogs & derivatives
- Female
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/chemistry
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide/pharmacology
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide/chemistry
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide/analogs & derivatives
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey L Warren
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Lankri
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Inis C Serrano
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lyonna F Parise
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Gregory Zilberg
- Zuckerman Institute of Mind, Brain, Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael J Capper
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vaclav Havel
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott J Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dalibor Sames
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Zuckerman Institute of Mind, Brain, Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Daniel Wacker
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Sakai K, Bradley ER, Zamaria JA, Agin-Liebes G, Kelley DP, Fish A, Martini V, Ferris MC, Morton E, Michalak EE, O'Donovan A, Woolley JD. Content analysis of Reddit posts about coadministration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and psilocybin mushrooms. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06585-x. [PMID: 38687360 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06585-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Treatments with the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin are being investigated for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Because many patients with these disorders use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), understanding interactions between psilocybin and SSRIs is critical for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and scalability of psilocybin-based treatments. Current knowledge about these interactions is limited, as most clinical psilocybin research has prohibited concomittant SSRI use. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore potential interactions between psilocybin and SSRIs by characterizing peoples' real-world experiences using psilocybin mushrooms and SSRIs together. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of Reddit for posts describing psilocybin mushroom and SSRI coadministration. We identified 443 eligible posts and applied qualitative content analysis to each. RESULTS 8% of posts reported negative physical or psychological effects resulting from coadministration. These included 13 reports that may reflect serotonin toxicity, and 1 concerning for a psychotic/manic episode. 54% of posts described reduced intensity of the acute psilocybin experience, but 39% reported unchanged intensity with SSRI coadministration. CONCLUSIONS Psilocybin's interactions with SSRIs are likely complex and may depend on multiple factors. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether psilocybin treatments are reliably safe and effective in the setting of SSRI use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Sakai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Ellen R Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
| | - Joseph A Zamaria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- School of Education, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Gabrielle Agin-Liebes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - D Parker Kelley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Alexander Fish
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Valeria Martini
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Psychology Department, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Michelle C Ferris
- Psychology Department, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Emma Morton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Erin E Michalak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Aoife O'Donovan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Joshua D Woolley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
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Kozell LB, Eshleman AJ, Wolfrum KM, Swanson TL, Bloom SH, Benware S, Schmachtenberg JL, Schutzer KA, Schutzer WE, Janowsky A, Abbas AI. Pharmacologic Characterization of Substituted Nitazenes at μ, κ, and Δ Opioid Receptors Suggests High Potential for Toxicity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:219-228. [PMID: 38453524 PMCID: PMC11026150 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.002052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The benzimidazole opioids (substituted nitazenes) are highly potent μ opiod receptor (MOR) agonists with heroin- or fentanyl-like effects. These compounds have caused hospitalizations and fatal overdoses. We characterized the in vitro pharmacology and structure-activity relationships of 19 nitazenes with substitutions at three positions of the benzimidazole core. Affinities were assessed using agonist radioligand binding assays at human μ, κ, and Δ opioid receptors (MOR, KOR, and DOR, respectively) heterologously expressed in CHO cells. Notably, for MOR binding, nine substituted nitazenes had significantly higher affinities than fentanyl including N-pyrrolidino etonitazene, N-pyrrilidino isonitazene, and N-desethyl isotonitazene; 13 had subnanomolar affinities. Only metodesnitazene and flunitazene had significantly lower affinities than fentanyl. Affinities for the substituted nitazenes at KOR and DOR relative to MOR were 46- to 2580-fold and 180- to 1280-fold lower, respectively. Functional activities were assessed using [35S]GTPγS binding assays. Four nitazenes had subnanomolar potencies at MOR: N-pyrrolidino etonitazene, N-pyrrilidino isonitazene, N-pyrrilidino protonitazene and N-desethyl isotonitazene. Ten substituted nitazenes had significantly higher potencies than fentanyl. All tested nitazenes were full MOR agonists. Potencies at KOR and DOR relative to MOR were 7.3- to 7920-fold and 24- to 9400-fold lower, respectively. Thus, many of these compounds are high affinity/high potency MOR agonists with elevated potential to elicit toxicity and overdose at low doses. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Substituted nitazenes are a growing public health threat. Although the 19 nitazenes tested vary in their opioid receptor pharmacology, a number are very high affinity, high potency, and high efficacy compounds- higher than fentanyl. Their pharmacology suggests high potential for harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Kozell
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Amy J Eshleman
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Katherine M Wolfrum
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Tracy L Swanson
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Shelley H Bloom
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sheila Benware
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jennifer L Schmachtenberg
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kamryn A Schutzer
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - William E Schutzer
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Aaron Janowsky
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Atheir I Abbas
- VA Portland Health Care System (L.B.K., A.J.E., K.M.W., T.L.S., S.H.B., S.B., J.L.S., K.A.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), Departments of Psychiatry (L.B.K., A.J.E., T.L.S., W.E.S., A.J., A.I.A.), and Behavioral Neuroscience (L.B.K., A.J., A.I.A.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Neukamm MA, Pollak S, Thoma V, Vogt S, Huppertz LM, Auwärter V. A fatal case of aspiration due to consumption of the hallucinogenic tryptamine derivative dipropyltryptamine (DPT). J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 240:115959. [PMID: 38183731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115959] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This case involves a 20-year-old man with prior hallucinogen-use experience, who sniffed an unknown amount of dipropyltryptamine in an apartment. Dipropyltryptamine, a hallucinogenic compound belonging to the tryptamine class is recognized for inducing effects similar to dimethyltryptamine (DMT) but with a longer duration. Ten to fifteen minutes later he experienced visual hallucinations, followed by increasing apathy. Two hours post consumption he developed abdominal pain, leading to collapse, seizure, and vomiting. Despite emergency medical resuscitation on site, transport to hospital 2.5 hours post consumption and extracorporeal life support he died 21 hours later. Relevant toxicological and morphological findings are presented. METHODS A serum sample was collected four hours post consumption. Autopsy was performed six days after death. Antemortem serum, as well as postmortem cardiac blood and urine were analyzed for alcohol and psychoactive drugs by systematic toxicological analyses employing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Maurer/Pfleger/Weber library among others), liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-MSn, Toxtyper™), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Dipropyltryptamine was quantified by LC-MS/MS after solid-phase extraction. RESULTS Autopsy revealed a state after deep aspiration of gastric contents with consecutive brain edema due to oxygen deprivation. Dipropyltryptamine concentrations were approximately 210 ng/ml, 110 ng/ml and 180 ng/ml in antemortem serum, postmortem cardiac blood and urine, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first reported concentrations of dipropyltryptamine in a fatal case. CONCLUSION Unlike typical tryptamine overdose reports, this case did not present with agitation, hyperthermia, or tachycardia. Despite the individual's prior experience with tryptamines and the generally low toxicity associated with this class of hallucinogens, death in this case was an indirect consequence of the nasal consumption of a high dose of dipropyltryptamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merja A Neukamm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany.
| | - Stefan Pollak
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Vanessa Thoma
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Susanne Vogt
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Laura M Huppertz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
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Abstract
Classic psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), are potent psychoactive substances that have been studied for their physiological and psychological effects. However, our understanding of the potential interactions and outcomes when using these substances in combination with other drugs is limited. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on drug-drug interactions between classic psychedelics and other drugs in humans. We conducted a thorough literature search using multiple databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and other sources to supplement our search for relevant studies. A total of 7102 records were screened, and studies involving human data describing potential interactions (as well as the lack thereof) between classic psychedelics and other drugs were included. In total, we identified 52 studies from 36 reports published before September 2, 2023, encompassing 32 studies on LSD, 10 on psilocybin, 4 on mescaline, 3 on DMT, 2 on 5-MeO-DMT and 1 on ayahuasca. These studies provide insights into the interactions between classic psychedelics and a range of drugs, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilisers, recreational drugs and others. The findings revealed various effects when psychedelics were combined with other drugs, including both attenuated and potentiated effects, as well as instances where no changes were observed. Except for a few case reports, no serious adverse drug events were described in the included studies. An in-depth discussion of the results is presented, along with an exploration of the potential molecular pathways that underlie the observed effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Halman
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Geraldine Kong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Psychae Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel Perkins
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Psychae Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Schifano F, Vento A, Scherbaum N, Guirguis A. Stimulant and hallucinogenic novel psychoactive substances; an update. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2023; 16:1109-1123. [PMID: 37968919 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2279192] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The renewed interest in considering a range of stimulants, psychedelics and dissociatives as therapeutics emphasizes the need to draft an updated overview of these drugs' clinical and pharmacological issues. AREAS COVERED The focus here was on: stimulants (e.g. amphetamines, methamphetamine, and pseudoephedrine; phenethylamines; synthetic cathinones; benzofurans; piperazines; aminoindanes; aminorex derivatives; phenmetrazine derivatives; phenidates); classical (e.g. ergolines; tryptamines; psychedelic phenethylamines), and atypical (e.g. PCP/ketamine-like dissociatives) psychedelics.Stimulant and psychedelics are associated with: a) increased central DA levels (psychedelic phenethylamines, synthetic cathinones and stimulants); b) 5-HT receptor subtypes' activation (psychedelic phenethylamines; recent tryptamine and lysergamide derivatives); and c) antagonist activity at NMDA receptors, (phencyclidine-like dissociatives). EXPERT OPINION Clinicians should be regularly informed about the range of NPS and their medical, psychobiological and psychopathological risks both in the acute and long term. Future research should focus on an integrative model in which pro-drug websites' analyses are combined with advanced research approaches, including computational chemistry studies so that in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies of index novel psychoactives can be organized. The future of psychedelic research should focus on identifying robust study designs to convincingly assess the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, molecules likely to present with limited dependence liability levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schifano
- Psychopharmacology Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts (UK)
| | - A Vento
- Mental Health Department, Addiction Observatory (Osservatorio sulle dipendenze)- NonProfit Association - Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - N Scherbaum
- LVR-University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - A Guirguis
- Psychopharmacology Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts (UK)
- Pharmacy, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Wales, UK
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8
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Meyer M, Slot J. The evolution and ecology of psilocybin in nature. Fungal Genet Biol 2023; 167:103812. [PMID: 37210028 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Fungi produce diverse metabolites that can have antimicrobial, antifungal, antifeedant, or psychoactive properties. Among these metabolites are the tryptamine-derived compounds psilocybin, its precursors, and natural derivatives (collectively referred to as psiloids), which have played significant roles in human society and culture. The high allocation of nitrogen to psiloids in mushrooms, along with evidence of convergent evolution and horizontal transfer of psilocybin genes, suggest they provide a selective benefit to some fungi. However, no precise ecological roles of psilocybin have been experimentally determined. The structural and functional similarities of psiloids to serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter in animals, suggest that they may enhance the fitness of fungi through interference with serotonergic processes. However, other ecological mechanisms of psiloids have been proposed. Here, we review the literature pertinent to psilocybin ecology and propose potential adaptive advantages psiloids may confer to fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Meyer
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Environmental Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jason Slot
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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9
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Glatfelter GC, Naeem M, Pham DNK, Golen JA, Chadeayne AR, Manke DR, Baumann MH. Receptor Binding Profiles for Tryptamine Psychedelics and Effects of 4-Propionoxy- N,N-dimethyltryptamine in Mice. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:567-577. [PMID: 37082754 PMCID: PMC10111620 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Analogues of 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (psilocybin) are being sold on recreational drug markets and developed as potential medications for psychedelic-assisted therapies. Many of these tryptamine-based psilocybin analogues produce psychedelic-like effects in rodents and humans primarily by agonist activity at serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2A). However, the comprehensive pharmacological target profiles for these compounds compared to psilocybin and its active metabolite 4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (psilocin) are unknown. The present study determined the receptor binding profiles of various tryptamine-based psychedelics structurally related to psilocybin across a broad range of potential targets. Specifically, we examined tryptamine psychedelics with different 4-position (hydroxy, acetoxy, propionoxy) and N,N-dialkyl (dimethyl, methyl-ethyl, diethyl, methyl-propyl, ethyl-propyl, diisopropyl, methyl-allyl, diallyl) substitutions. Further, the psilocybin analogue 4-propionoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-PrO-DMT) was administered to mice in experiments measuring head twitch response (HTR), locomotor activity, and body temperature. Overall, the present pharmacological profile screening data show that the tryptamine psychedelics target multiple serotonin receptors, including serotonin 1A receptors (5-HT1A). 4-Acetoxy and 4-propionoxy analogues of 4-hydroxy compounds displayed somewhat weaker binding affinities but similar target profiles across 5-HT receptors and other identified targets. Additionally, differential binding screen profiles were observed with N,N-dialkyl position variations across several non-5-HT receptor targets (i.e., alpha receptors, dopamine receptors, histamine receptors, and serotonin transporters), which could impact in vivo pharmacological effects of the compounds. In mouse experiments, 4-PrO-DMT displayed dose-related psilocybin-like effects to produce 5-HT2A-mediated HTR (0.3-3 mg/kg s.c.) as well as 5-HT1A-mediated hypothermia and hypolocomotion (3-30 mg/kg s.c.). Lastly, our data support a growing body of evidence that the 5-HT2A-mediated HTR induced by tryptamine psychedelics is attenuated by 5-HT1A receptor agonist activity at high doses in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant C. Glatfelter
- Designer
Drug Research Unit, National Institute on
Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224 United States
| | - Marilyn Naeem
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Duyen N. K. Pham
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - James A. Golen
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | | | - David R. Manke
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer
Drug Research Unit, National Institute on
Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224 United States
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