Evaluation of the excretion profile and acute behavioral effects of 2-methiopropamine in the animal model.

This communication presents the effects induced by 2-methiopropamine, a structural analogue of methamphetamine, on: sensorimotor responses, body temperature, thermal and mechanical pain, motor activity and neurological changes in mice. The analytical aspect was also considered by carrying out a series of in vitro and in vivo studies to characterize the metabolic profile of 2- methiopropamine and to select the most appropriate diagnostic marker(s) of intake. Systemic administration of 2-methiopropamine in a dose-dependent way inhibits visual placing response, facilitates acoustic response, pinna and vibrissae reflexes, alters the core temperature, causes potent mechanical analgesia and impairs motor activity. Finally, 2-methiopropamine induces tail elevation, restlessness, piloerection and head twitch. Metabolism studies confirm data reported by other Authors, showing that 2-methiopropamine, similarly to amphetamine-like substances, is extensively oxidized to form nor-methiopropamine, hydroxy-methiopropamine, oxo- methiopropamine and hydroxy nor-methiopropamine. The experimental evidences obtained in this study demonstrate that 2-methiopropamine impairs sensorimotor responses and induces motor activity and neurological alterations, suggesting its possible hazard for human health and the need of further studies. At the same time, the results of the metabolism studies confirmed the similarities between amphetamine and 2-methiopropamine.