Novel psychoactive substances. Sex differences in their effects in young mice.
January 1, 2021- December 31, 2023
Supported by: Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad. Grant nº 20201051
PI: Dr. David Pubill (UB)
Dra Elena Escubedo (UB)
Dr. Raul López-Arnau (UB)
Dr Jordi Camarasa (UB)
Scientific partners:
Dra. Olga Valverde Granados,
Doctora en Medicina y Cirugía, Catedrática de Universidad. Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona.
Dr. Xavier Berzosa.
Doctor en Química, Profesor Doctor Contratado. Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull.
Project:
The overall objective of this current project is to study the psycho-stimulant, addictive, and hallucinogenic effects of some of the main NPS that have recently emerged in the global market of drugs of abuse. These substances include NEP (psycho-stimulants) and 5-MeO-DMT and DMT (hallucinogens) in young mice of both sexes (7-8 weeks of age). The project also aims to investigate the expression of factors related to addiction development, neuronal activation, and hallucinogenic effects induced after acute and repeated administration of these substances. Furthermore, it seeks to explore possible sex differences in these effects. This comprehensive investigation will allow us to determine whether sex differences occur in predominantly dopaminergic (psycho-stimulants) as well as serotonergic (hallucinogens) drugs or only in those with one of these mechanisms of action.
From the results, we expect to generate new knowledge regarding the addiction-related effects of these NPS and ascertain whether sex differences exist in these effects. This would provide scientifically validated information to the public and relevant organizations about the risks associated with the consumption of these substances, enabling the implementation of appropriate actions.
Public Results
López-Arnau R, Camarasa J, Carbó ML, Nadal-Gratacós N, Puigseslloses P, Espinosa-Velasco M, Urquizu E, Escubedo E, Pubill D. 3,4-Methylenedioxy methamphetamine, synthetic cathinones and psychedelics: From recreational to novel psychotherapeutic drugs. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Oct 3;13:990405 PMID: 36262632
Nadal-Gratacós N, Alberto-Silva AS, Rodríguez-Soler M, Urquizu E, Espinosa- Velasco M, Jäntsch K, Holy M, Batllori X, Berzosa X, Pubill D, Camarasa J, Sitte HH, Escubedo E, López-Arnau R. Structure-Activity Relationship of Novel Second- Generation Synthetic Cathinones: Mechanism of Action, Locomotion, Reward, and Immediate-Early Genes. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Oct 26;12:749429. PMID: 34764870
Espinosa-Velasco M, Reguilón MD, Bellot M, Nadal-Gratacós N, Berzosa X, Puigseslloses P, Gómez-Canela C, Rodríguez-Arias M, Pubill D, Camarasa J, Escubedo E, López-Arnau R. Behavioural and neurochemical effects after repeated administration of N-ethylpentylone (ephylone) in mice. J Neurochem. 2022 Jan;160(2):218-233. PMID: 34816436.
Espinosa-Velasco M, Reguilón MD, Bellot M, Nadal-Gratacós N, Berzosa X, Gómez-Canela C, Rodríguez-Arias M, Camarasa J, Escubedo E, Pubill D, López-Arnau R. Repeated administration of N-ethyl-pentedrone induces increased aggression and impairs social exploration after withdrawal in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 13;117:110562. PMID: 35500841.
Partners
PI: Dr. David Pubill (UB)
Dra Elena Escubedo (UB)
Dr. Raul López-Arnau (UB)
Dr Jordi Camarasa (UB)
Scientific partners:
Dra. Olga Valverde Granados,
Doctora en Medicina y Cirugía, Catedrática de Universidad. Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona.
Dr. Xavier Berzosa.
Doctor en Química, Profesor Doctor Contratado. Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull.
Publications
in the last years old
