Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior
December 1, 2009
Aashish S. Morani, Bronwyn Kivell, Thomas E. Prisinzano et al.
91 citations
Pretreatment with several kappa-opioid receptor agonists, including salvinorin A (Sal A), the active compound in Salvia divinorum, reduced cocaine-induced drug-seeking in rats. After learning to self-administer cocaine, rats underwent extinction and then received a cocaine priming injection. Cocaine-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking was attenuated by U69593, U50488H, spiradoline, and Sal A. Sal A did not affect sucrose-reinforced responding or cocaine-induced hyperactivity, suggesting its effects are specific to drug-seeking. These findings indicate that Sal A, like other kappa-opioid agonists, can suppress cocaine-seeking behavior.
MedChemComm
December 1, 2011
Katherine M Prevatt-Smith, Kimberly M Lovell, Denise S Simpson et al.
50 citations
A modified compound, initially derived from a potent natural hallucinogen, surprisingly offers a new avenue for treating drug addiction. Scientists hypothesized that slight structural changes could enhance its therapeutic benefits. Through synthesizing and evaluating new versions, particularly focusing on their interaction with opioid receptors and impact on drug-seeking behaviors in rats, a specific analog was identified. This novel compound not only matched the original's potency at key brain receptors but also effectively reduced cocaine-induced drug-seeking. This discovery represents the first instance of such a modified compound demonstrating anti-addictive capabilities.
Journal of psychoactive drugs
January 1, 2016
Fiona Hutton, Bronwyn Kivell, Otis Boyle
5 citations
Salvia divinorum, an intense hallucinogen, was legal in New Zealand when an anonymous questionnaire was advertised to young adults in 2010-2011. Of 393 respondents, 167 had used salvia. Thematic analysis of open-ended answers identified three themes: salvia's effects, the importance of set and setting, and pleasure or not-pleasure from use. Recreational salvia use occurred within a broader drug landscape; participants were drug experienced and "drug wise." Use was intermittent, often described as a novel experience. The 2014 criminalization of salvia under the Psychoactive Substances Amendment Act may lead to a significant decline in use as experienced users seek novel drug experiences elsewhere.
Neuropharmacology
November 1, 2014
Bronwyn Kivell, Zeljko Uzelac, Santhanalakshmi Sundaramurthy et al.
Salvinorin A (SalA), a selective κ-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, increases dopamine transporter (DAT) activity in cells and rat striatum, which reduces dopamine signaling. This effect is mediated by KOR activation and the ERK1/2 pathway, and involves physical interaction between KOR and DAT proteins. SalA also decreases serotonin transporter activity but does not affect norepinephrine transporter activity. The enhanced dopamine transport, combined with reduced dopamine release, may contribute to the dysphoric and pro-depressant effects of SalA and other KOR agonists.