The acute effects of methoxphenidine on behaviour and pharmacokinetics profile in animal model.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – March 20, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
A recent investigation into Methoxphenidine, a new psychoactive substance, reveals its rapid journey into the brain. Pharmacokinetics showed it peaks in Wistar rats within 30 minutes. Behavioral analysis, including an open field test, precisely mapped its effects: stimulant at lower doses, sedative at higher ones, and disrupted sensorimotor gating. The study also clearly defined its systemic toxicity, providing vital insights into the dangers of recreational use.
Abstract
Methoxphenidine (MXP) is classified as a new psychoactive substance that has recently emerged on the illicit drug market. Understanding the pharmacological and behavioural profiles of newly emerging drugs is essential for a better understanding of their psychotropic effects and potential toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we investigated a broad range of effects of acute MXP administration: pharmacokinetics in the brain and serum; behaviour (open field and prepulse inhibition), systemic toxicity (lethal dose; LD 50), and histopathology changes in parenchymal organs of Wistar rats. MXP rapidly crossed the blood-brain barrier, reaching peak median concentrations in both serum and brain 30 min post-administration, followed by an elimination phase with a half-life of 2.15 h. Locomotor activity in the open field test displayed a dose-response effect at low to moderate doses (10-20 mg/kg MXP). At higher doses (40 mg/kg), locomotor activity decreased. All doses of MXP significantly disrupted prepulse inhibition and the effect was present during the onset of its action as well as 60 min after treatment. Additionally, MXP demonstrated moderate acute toxicity, with an estimated LD50 of 500 mg/kg when administered subcutaneously. In summary, MXP exhibited a profile similar to typical dissociative anesthetics, producing stimulant and anxiogenic effects at lower doses, sedative effects at higher doses, and disrupting sensorimotor gating. The accumulation of MXP in brain tissue is likely to contribute to acute intoxication in humans, potentially leading to negative experiences. Our findings highlight the potentially dangerous effects of recreational MXP use and underscore the risks of inducing serious adverse health outcomes.