Drug Testing and Analysis
May 19, 2014
Simon D. Brandt, Michael H. Baumann, John S. Partilla et al.
37 citations
A new designer drug, para-methyl-4-methylaminorex (4,4'-DMAR), was linked to 26 deaths in Europe in 2013. Laboratory analysis of samples from online vendors identified the (±)-cis isomer in at least 18 cases. The drug acts as a potent releaser at dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters, with EC50 values of 8.6 nM, 26.9 nM, and 18.5 nM respectively. Its potency at dopamine and norepinephrine transporters rivaled that of d-amphetamine and aminorex, but it was far more potent at the serotonin transporter. This broad activity predicts serious side effects including psychosis, agitation, hyperthermia, and cardiovascular stimulation, especially at high doses or with other stimulants.
Drug Testing and Analysis
October 5, 2012
Simon Elliott, Simon D. Brandt, Sally Freeman et al.
36 citations
5-(2-Aminopropyl)indole (5-IT) and 3-(2-aminopropyl)indole (α-methyltryptamine, AMT) are isomeric substances that are difficult to differentiate under routine analytical conditions, especially without reference material. Subtle differences in mass spectral and UV conditions can facilitate their differentiation. Analyses included 1H and 13C NMR, GC-EI/CI ion trap MS, and several U/HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS methods. AMT was detected in a number of fatal intoxications, and there is a potential risk of misidentification when dealing with both substances.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
April 3, 2013
Giorgia de Paoli, Simon D. Brandt, Jason Wallach et al.
30 citations
Three psychoactive arylcyclohexylamines sold online as research chemicals were chemically identified: methoxetamine, N-ethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanamine, and 1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine. A validated liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection reliably measured these compounds in blood, urine, and vitreous humor at concentrations from 0.16 to 5.0 mg/L, while mass spectrometry served as a confirmatory technique.
Drug Testing and Analysis
October 20, 2014
Gavin McLaughlin, Noreen Morris, Pierce V. Kavanagh et al.
18 citations
A newly emerged psychoactive substance, 3,4-methylenedioxy-4-methylaminorex (MDMAR), was synthesized and characterized. Analysis of vendor-sourced MDMAR found it to be predominantly the cis-isomer (90%), which could artificially convert to the trans-isomer under certain liquid chromatography conditions. Both MDMAR isomers, along with cis- and trans-4,4'-DMAR, were more potent than MDMA in releasing dopamine and norepinephrine in rat brain tissue. While cis-4,4'-DMAR, cis-MDMAR, and trans-MDMAR fully released serotonin, trans-4,4'-DMAR acted as a serotonin uptake blocker. The high potency of these analogues at monoamine transporters may indicate potential for serious side-effects at high doses.