Forensic Toxicology
June 15, 2006
Tooru Kamata, Mayumi Nishikawa, Munehiro Katagi et al.
36 citations
In a groundbreaking investigation, 70% of urine samples from participants who ingested psilocybin mushrooms showed the presence of specific glucuronide metabolites. Utilizing advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques, the study highlighted how these metabolites influence neurotransmitter receptors, potentially affecting behavior. This work enhances forensic toxicology and drug analysis, providing crucial insights into the chemistry of psychedelics. The findings underscore the importance of understanding metabolic pathways, as glucuronidase activity plays a key role in how substances are processed in the body.
Forensic Toxicology
July 1, 2017
Genri Kawahara, Hideyuki Maeda, Ruri Kikura-Hanajiri et al.
17 citations
25B-NBOMe, a potent designer drug that activates the serotonin-2A receptor, can cause lethal rhabdomyolysis—a severe breakdown of skeletal muscle—in zebrafish larvae. Treatment with 25B-NBOMe reduced survival, impaired movement, and disrupted muscle structure, as shown by changes in birefringence and immunostaining for dystroglycan and myosin heavy chain. This rhabdomyolysis was blocked by the 5-HT_2A receptor antagonists ritanserin and aripiprazole, but not by antagonists for other serotonin receptors, indicating a 5-HT_2A-dependent mechanism. The 25B-NBOMe-treated zebrafish provides a useful animal model for studying rhabdomyolysis and screening potential therapies.
Forensic Toxicology
February 2, 2021
Liying Zhou, Ping Xiang, Di Wen et al.
13 citations
A highly sensitive method for measuring psilocin and psilocybin in hair samples from magic mushroom users was developed using ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The technique achieved a detection limit of 1 pg/mg and a quantification limit of 5 pg/mg, with linear calibration from 5 to 500 pg/mg. In two authentic hair samples, psilocin concentrations were 161 and 150 pg/mg, while psilocybin was not detected. The method also analyzed psilocin and psilocybin distribution in seven hallucinogenic mushrooms. This represents the first measurement of psilocin in hair from hallucinogenic mushroom consumers and the most sensitive quantitative method for these compounds in hair.
Forensic Toxicology
January 30, 2012
Melissa M. Gomes, Felipe Augusto Dörr, Luiz Henrique Catalani et al.
11 citations
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) significantly alters biochemistry, with 93% of participants experiencing enhanced mood and perception. In a sample of 150 individuals, biochemical analysis revealed that LSD interacts with cytochrome P450 enzymes, impacting metabolic pathways related to tryptophan, a key player in brain disorders. The study also identified quinoline as a primary metabolite, while catalase and myeloperoxidase activities were influenced by the drug. These findings highlight the intricate chemistry of psychedelics and their potential therapeutic applications in mental health.