The psychoactive cathinone derivative pyrovalerone alters locomotor activity and decreases dopamine receptor expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Pyrovalerone (4-methyl-β-keto-prolintane) is a synthetic cathinone (beta-keto-amphetamine) derivative. Cathinones are a concern as drugs of abuse, as related street drugs such as methylenedioxypyrovalerone have garnered significant attention. The primary mechanism of action of cathinones is to inhibit reuptake transporters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in reward centers of the central nervous system.

Methods

We measured bioenergetic, behavioral, and molecular responses to pyrovalerone (nM-µM) in zebrafish to evaluate its potential for neurotoxicity and neurological impairment.

Results

Pyrovalerone did not induce any mortality in zebrafish larvae over a 3- and 24-hr period; however, seizures were prevalent at the highest dose tested (100 µM). Oxidative pho

SUBMITTER: Souders CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6851804 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature