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Forensic Toxicology

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01-07-2018 | Original Article

MDMB-CHMICA induces thrashing behavior, bradycardia, and slow pressor response in a CB₁- and CB₂-receptor-dependent manner in conscious rats

Authors: Hideyuki Maeda, Erika Nagashima, Yukiko K. Hayashi, Ruri Kikura-Hanajiri, Ken-ichi Yoshida

Published in: Forensic Toxicology | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

Purpose

MDMB-CHMICA, a new synthetic cannabinoid (SC), has become prevalent since 2014 as an ingredient of recreational drugs. Reports on intoxication due to the drug have been increasing, which show diverse cardiovascular, psychiatric, and neuronal symptoms. Reports on sudden death and accidental death related to psychiatric disorders in MDMB-CHMICA intoxication have also increased, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.

Methods

As there has been no experimental study on the drug, we investigated the effects of peripheral injection of MDMB-CHMICA in conscious rats.

Results

MDMB-CHMICA induced rapid bradycardia and a slow pressor response. Cardiovascular responses to other SCs have been shown to be inhibited only by cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB₁)-antagonists. However, the MDMB-CHMICA-induced bradycardia was inhibited not only by a CB₁-antagonist, AM281, but also by a CB₂-antagonist, AM630. Unlike other SCs, MDMB-CHMICA induced a gradual increase in mean blood pressure, which was marginally enhanced by the CB₁- and CB₂- antagonists. For the first time, we demonstrated that MDMB-CHMICA induces a thrashing hypermobile behavior in a CB₁- and CB₂-receptor-dependent manner, following catalepsy-like hypomobile behavior.

Conclusions

This unexpected response to MDMB-CHMICA may help explain the mechanisms underlying the sudden deaths and accidents associated with its use.

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Title: MDMB-CHMICA induces thrashing behavior, bradycardia, and slow pressor response in a CB1- and CB2-receptor-dependent manner in conscious rats
Authors: Hideyuki Maeda
Erika Nagashima
Yukiko K. Hayashi
Ruri Kikura-Hanajiri
Ken-ichi Yoshida
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/s11419-018-0405-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

MDMB-CHMICA induces thrashing behavior, bradycardia, and slow pressor response in a CB₁- and CB₂-receptor-dependent manner in conscious rats

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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