Possible Involvement of Hallucinogenic Effects in the Aversive Effects Induced by Kappa‐Opioid and 5‐ HT 2A / 2C Receptor Agonists in Mice

A simple behavioral test in mice may help regulators quickly identify new hallucinogenic drugs. Mice given the hallucinogen-like compound DOI showed aversive effects in a conditioned place aversion test and abnormal behavior in a marble-burying test. These responses likely stem from the drug's hallucinogenic properties. The findings suggest that such rodent tests could serve as a rapid, accurate screening method for designating new psychoactive substances as controlled drugs, aiding prevention of drug abuse.

Study at a glance

Abstract

AIM: The regulation of new psychoactive and dangerous abused substances is very important for the prevention of drug abuse. A simple and effective evaluation method using laboratory animals is needed to regulate designated drugs with high accuracy and speed. METHODS: receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI), which have a similar mechanism of action to hallucinogenic drugs, in a conditioned place aversion (CPA) test in mice. In addition, because hallucinogenic drugs can cause emotional abnormalities during hallucinations, we performed a marble-burying test in mice. RESULTS: receptor agonists produced significant aversive effects and abnormal behavior. These aversive effects and abnormal behavior were probably due in part to the hallucinogenic effects of these drugs. CONCLUSION: Therefore, these tests using mice may be useful for evaluating hallucinogenic effects. We hope that these simple and rapid evaluation methods will be used to identify designated drugs.