In vitro and in vivo metabolic study of three new psychoactive β-keto-arylcyclohexylamines.
Journal of analytical toxicology May 20, 2024 Linhao Xu, Hui Yan, Yiling Tang et al. 3 citations
Since the 2000s, more new psychoactive substances have appeared on the illicit drug market. β-Keto-arylcyclohexylamine compounds, which have pharmacological roles in anesthesia, are increasingly used recreationally, but detailed toxicity data are lacking. Analyzing their metabolites can help forensic personnel determine whether someone has taken these illicit substances. This study examined the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of three such compounds: deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine, fluoro-N-ethyl-ketamine, and bromoketamine. Using zebrafish and human liver microsomes, 49 metabolites were identified via liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Hydroxy-deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine, hydroxy-fluoro-N-ethyl-ketamine, and hydroxy-bromoketamine are recommended as biomarkers for documenting intake in clinical and forensic cases.