Neurotoxic Effects of 5-MeO-DIPT: A Psychoactive Tryptamine Derivative in Rats.

Karolina Noworyta-Sokołowska,Zofia Rogóż,Krystyna Gołembiowska,Grzegorz Kreiner,Katarzyna Kamińska

doi:10.1007/s12640-016-9654-0

Karolina Noworyta-Sokołowska, Zofia Rogóż + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-016-9654-0

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Abstract

5-Methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT, ‘foxy’) is one of the most popular tryptamine hallucinogens in the illicit drug market. It produces serious adverse effects, but its pharmacological profile is not well recognized. In vitro data have shown that 5-MeO-DIPT acts as a potent serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitor and displays high affinity at serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C receptors. In this study, using microdialysis in freely moving rats, we examined the effect of 5-MeO-DIPT on dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and glutamate release in the rat striatum, nucleus accumbens, and frontal cortex. In search of a possible neurotoxic effect of 5-MeO-DIPT, we measured DA and 5-HT tissue content in the above rat brain regions and also determined the oxidative DNA damage with the comet assay. Moreover, we tested drug-elicited head-twitch response and a forepaw treading induced by 8-OH-DPAT. 5-MeO-DIPT at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg increased extracellular DA, 5-HT, and glutamate level but the differences in the potency were found between brain regions. 5-MeO-DIPT increased 5-HT and decreased 5-HIAA tissue content which seems to result from SERT inhibition. On the other hand, a decrease in DA, DOPAC, and HVA tissue contents suggests possible adaptive changes in DA turnover or damage of DA terminals by 5-MeO-DIPT. DNA single and double-strand breaks persisted up to 60 days after the treatment, indicating marked neurotoxicity of 5-MeO-DIPT. The induction of head-twitch response and potentiation of forepaw treading induced by 8-OH-DPAT indicate that hallucinogenic activity seems to be mediated through the stimulation of 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors by 5-MeO-DIPT.

Highlights

Hallucinogens are active substances that alter consciousness and affect the human psyche
We tested drug-elicited head-twitch response and a forepaw treading induced by 8-OH-DPAT. 5-MeO-DIPT at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg increased extracellular DA, 5-HT, and glutamate level but the differences in the potency were found between brain regions. 5-MeO-DIPT increased 5-HT and decreased 5-HIAA tissue content which seems to result from serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibition
Since September 29, 2004, 5-MeO-DIPT has been permanently controlled as a schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (69 FR 58050) (DEA 2013), because it is used as a substitute for MDMA

Summary

Introduction

Hallucinogens are active substances that alter consciousness and affect the human psyche. We know relatively little about their mechanism of action in the brain. Despite their high degree of safety and lack of dependence liability (O’Brien 2001), hallucinogens have been labeled as the most dangerous drugs that exist, being placed into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Electrophysiological, and behavioral studies, it is hypothesized that classical hallucinogens produce their effects in animals and probably in humans primarily at cortical 5-HT2A receptor subtype

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