Detectability of cannabinoids in the serum samples of cannabis users: Indicators of recent cannabis use? A follow‐up study
Forensic toxicologists are frequently required to predict the time of last cannabis consumption. Several studies suggested the utility of minor cannabinoids as indicators of recent cannabis use. Because several factors influence blood cannabinoid concentrations, the interpretation of serum cannabinoid concentrations remains challenging. To assess the informative value of serum cannabinoid levels in cannabis users (in total N = 117 patients, including 56 patients who stated an exact time of last cannabis use within 24 h before blood sampling), the detectability of cannabinoids, namely delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC, 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-THC, cannabichr…
Determination of the enantiomeric composition of amphetamine, methamphetamine and 3,4-methylendioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) in seized street drug samples from southern Germany.
Amphetamine (speed), methamphetamine (crystal meth), and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) represent the most frequently abused amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). Differences in pharmacological potency and metabolism have been shown for the enantiomers of all three stimulants. Legal consequences in cases of drug possession may also differ according to the German law depending on the enantiomeric composition of the seized drug. Therefore, enantioselective monitoring of seized specimens is crucial for legal and forensic casework. Various kinds of samples of amphetamine (n = 143), MDMA (n = 94), and methamphetamine (n = 528) that were seized in southern Germany in 2019 and…
Chiral Serum Pharmacokinetics of 4-Fluoroamphetamine after Controlled Oral Administration
Abstract Over the last two decades, misuse of 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) became an emerging issue in many European countries. Stimulating effects last for 4–6 hours and can impact psychomotor performance. The metabolism of amphetamine-type stimulants is stereoselective and quantification of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers has been suggested for assessing time of use. To date, no data on enantioselective pharmacokinetics is available for 4-FA in serum samples. An enantioselective liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) method was developed using a chiral Phenomenex® Lux 3 μm AMP column. Validation of the method showed satisfactory selectivity, sensitivity, linearity (0.5–250 ng/mL…
Enantioselective determination of plasma protein binding of common amphetamine-type stimulants.
Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) like amphetamine ('speed'), methamphetamine ('crystal meth') and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') represent some of the most frequently abused drugs worldwide. Another less frequently abused ATS is 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA). The enantiomers of these four compounds exhibit different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. According to the free drug theory, the pharmacological properties of a substance are dependent on its plasma protein binding (PPB). However, data on PPB of stimulant enantiomers in humans are rare or non-existent. Human plasma samples were spiked with racemic mixtures of the stimulants and subjected to ultra…