The effects of synthetic cannabinoid UR-144 on the human body-A review of 39 cases.
Piotr Adamowicz, Joanna Gieroń, Dominika Gil, Wojciech Lechowicz, Agnieszka Skulska, Bogdan Tokarczyk
Forensic science international April 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.02.031 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractUR-144, a synthetic cannabinoid found in 'legal highs' since 2012, produces a range of effects on the human body. In 39 cases where UR-144 was detected in blood, concentrations ranged from trace amounts to 17 ng/mL. The most common symptoms included slurred speech, dilated pupils, abnormal pupillary reaction, cheerful behavior, poor coordination, and staggering. Less frequent effects included verbosity, narrow pupils, loss of consciousness, facial skin changes, blackout, euphoria, agitation, hallucinations, hindered communication, shaking hands, seizures, convulsions, somnolence, delayed movements, reddened conjunctiva, and tachycardia. The findings help identify possible effects of UR-144 use.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case series Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 39 |
| Population | Individuals in whom UR-144 was detected in blood |
| Keywords | Blood concentrations Effects Symptoms Synthetic cannabinoid Ur-144 |
| Key finding | UR-144 blood concentrations up to 17 ng/mL were associated with effects including slurred speech, dilated pupils, poor coordination, and staggering, among others. |
Abstract
UR-144 [(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone] is a synthetic cannabinoid, which has been detected in many 'legal highs', seized from the global drug market since the beginning of 2012. It has gained popularity as a 'legal' alternative to classic cannabis in countries where it was not controlled. Despite the widespread distribution of this substance, the data on its effects on the human body are scarce. Therefore, this paper describes the results of analysis and observed effects in 39 cases in which UR-144 was determined in blood. Symptoms were noted from the blood sampling forms filled out by the representative doctor. The determined concentrations of UR-144 were in the range of trace amounts (LOD-0.15ng/mL; LOQ-0.5ng/mL) up to 17ng/mL. The most common observed effects included slurred speech, dilated pupils, sluggish and abnormal pupillary reaction, cheerful behaviour, poor coordination, and staggering. Less frequently observed were: verbosity, narrow pupils, loss of consciousness, pale or reddened facial skin, blackout, euphoria, agitation, hallucinations, hindered communication, shaking hands, seizures, convulsions, somnolence, delayed movements, redness of the conjunctiva, and tachycardia. The discussed cases show the effects observed after UR-144 use. This study can assist in the recognition of possible effects caused by this substance.