Atypical Pharmacodynamic Properties and Metabolic Profile of the Abused Synthetic Cannabinoid AB-PINACA: Potential Contribution to Pronounced Adverse Effects Relative to Δ⁹-THC.

ABSTRACT: Recreational use of marijuana is associated with few adverse effects, but abuse of synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) can result in anxiety, psychosis, chest pain, seizures and death. To potentially explain higher toxicity associated with SCB use, we hypothesized that AB-PINACA, a common second generation SCB, exhibits atypical pharmacodynamic properties at CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs) and/or a distinct metabolic profile when compared to Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), the principal psychoactive cannabinoid present in marijuana. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS) identified AB-PINACA and monohydroxy metabolite(s) as primary phase I metabolites (4OH-AB-PINACA and/or 5OH-AB-PINACA) in human urine and serum obtained from forensic samples. In vitr

SUBMITTER: Hutchison RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6168621 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature