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Forensic Toxicology
Published in: Forensic Toxicology 2/2018

Open Access 01-07-2018 | Original Article

Chemical synthesis, characterisation and in vitro and in vivo metabolism of the synthetic opioid MT-45 and its newly identified fluorinated analogue 2F-MT-45 with metabolite confirmation in urine samples from known drug users

Authors: Craig McKenzie, Oliver B. Sutcliffe, Kevin D. Read, Paul Scullion, Ola Epemolu, Daniel Fletcher, Anders Helander, Olof Beck, Alexia Rylski, Lysbeth H. Antonides, Jennifer Riley, Shannah A. Smith, Niamh Nic Daeid

Published in: Forensic Toxicology | Issue 2/2018

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Abstract

Purpose

The detection of a novel psychoactive substance, 2F-MT-45, a fluorinated analogue of the synthetic opioid MT-45, was reported in a single seized tablet. MT-45, 2F-, 3F- and 4F-MT-45 were synthesised and reference analytical data were reported. The in vitro and in vivo metabolisms of MT-45 and 2F-MT-45 were investigated.

Method

The reference standards and seized sample were characterised using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Presumptive tests were performed and physicochemical properties of the compounds determined. Metabolite identification studies using human liver microsomes, human hepatocytes, mouse hepatocytes and in vivo testing using mice were performed and identified MT-45 metabolites were confirmed in authentic human urine samples.

Results

Metabolic pathways identified for MT-45 and 2F-MT-45 were N-dealkylation, hydroxylation and subsequent glucuronidation. The major MT-45 metabolites identified in human in vitro studies and in authenticated human urine were phase I metabolites and should be incorporated as analytical targets to existing toxicological screening methods. Phase II glucuronidated metabolites were present in much lower proportions.

Conclusions

2F-MT-45 has been detected in a seized tablet for the first time. The metabolite identification data provide useful urinary metabolite targets for forensic and clinical testing for MT-45 and allows screening of urine for 2F-MT-45 and its major metabolites to determine its prevalence in case work.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Chemical synthesis, characterisation and in vitro and in vivo metabolism of the synthetic opioid MT-45 and its newly identified fluorinated analogue 2F-MT-45 with metabolite confirmation in urine samples from known drug users
Authors
Craig McKenzie
Oliver B. Sutcliffe
Kevin D. Read
Paul Scullion
Ola Epemolu
Daniel Fletcher
Anders Helander
Olof Beck
Alexia Rylski
Lysbeth H. Antonides
Jennifer Riley
Shannah A. Smith
Niamh Nic Daeid
Publication date
01-07-2018
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
Forensic Toxicology / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1860-8965
Electronic ISSN: 1860-8973
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-018-0413-1

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