Synthetic cathinones, often sold as “bath salts,” are a popular class of recreational drugs. This study characterizes the pharmacology of three second generation cathinones: 4-methyl-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4′-MePPP), α-pyrrolidinopropiobutiophenone (α-PBP), and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP). The discriminative stimulus effects of these compounds were tested in rats trained to discriminate either cocaine or methamphetamine, and the rewarding effects of these drugs were assessed in mice using conditioned place preference. α-PBP and α-PVP substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of both cocaine and methamphetamine, whereas 4′-MePPP substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine only. α-PBP and α-PVP produced conditioned place preference, whereas 4′-MePPP did not produce conditioned place preference. These findings suggest that α-PBP and α-PVP are likely to be recreationally used and have potential for addiction and abuse, whereas 4′-MePPP may not produce as much interest for recreational use.

See article at J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2015, 354:103–110.

• Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics