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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

A new exposure model to evaluate smoked illicit drugs in rodents: A study of crack cocaine

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Author(s):
Hueza, Isis M. [1, 2] ; Ponce, Fernando [2] ; Garcia, Raphael C. T. [1, 3] ; Marcourakis, Tania [3] ; Yonamine, Mauricio [3] ; Mantovani, Cinthia de C. [3] ; Kirsten, Thiago B. [2]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] ICAQF UNIFESP, Inst Environm Chem & Pharmaceut Sci, BR-09913030 Diadema, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Vet Med & Anim Sci, Dept Pathol, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Clin Chem & Toxicol, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL METHODS; v. 77, p. 17-23, JAN-FEB 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 5
Abstract

The use of smoked illicit drugs has spread dramatically, but few studies use proper devices to expose animals to inhalational abused drugs despite the availability of numerous smoking devices that mimic tobacco exposure in rodents. Therefore, the present study developed an inexpensive device to easily expose laboratory animals to smoked drugs. We used crack cocaine as the drug of abuse, and the cocaine plasma levels and the behaviors of animals intoxicated with the crack cocaine were evaluated to prove inhaled drug absorption and systemic activity. We developed an acrylic device with two chambers that were interconnected and separated by a hatch. Three doses of crack (100, 250, or 500 mg), which contained 63.7% cocaine, were burned in a pipe, and the rats were exposed to the smoke for 5 or 10 min (n = 5/amount/period). Exposure to the 250-mg dose for 10 min achieved cocaine plasma levels that were similar to those of users (170 ng/mL). Behavioral evaluations were also performed to validate the methodology. Rats (n = 10/group) for these evaluations were exposed to 250 mg of crack cocaine or air for 10 min, twice daily, for 28 consecutive days. Open-field evaluations were performed at three different periods throughout the experimental design. Exposed animals exhibited transient anorexia, increased motor activity, and shorter stays in central areas of the open field, which suggests reduced anxiety. Therefore, the developed model effectively exposed animals to crack cocaine, and this model may be useful for the investigation of other inhalational abused drugs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/24550-7 - Evaluation of the immunotoxic effect of crack cocaine in rats: development of pulmonar method of exposure
Grantee:Isis Machado Hueza
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants