Comparative neuropharmacology of N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (NBOMe) hallucinogens and their 2C counterparts in male rats.
Neuropharmacology November 1, 2018 Joshua S Elmore, Ann M Decker, Agnieszka Sulima et al. 59 citations
N-methoxybenzylated derivatives of 2C compounds, specifically 25C-NBOMe and 25I-NBOMe, show higher affinity for 5-HT2A receptors than their parent 2C compounds but are weaker in functional cellular assays. In rats, NBOMes were much more potent at inducing wet dog shakes and back muscle contractions compared to 2C-C and 2C-I. A selective 5-HT2A antagonist reversed these behaviors, confirming receptor involvement. Binding affinities correlated with potencies for back muscle contractions but not wet dog shakes. These findings indicate NBOMes are highly potent 5-HT2A agonists in rats, consistent with reported hallucinogenic effects in humans.