[Phencyclidine--angel dust].
BACKGROUND
For the first time in ten years, phencyclidine (PCP) has been confiscated in Norway. Physicians should be aware of this substance when treating intoxications.


METHODS
Relevant literature was identified by search in Medline. This review presents the pharmacological properties and effects of phencyclidine as well as symptoms and treatment of phencyclidine intoxication.


CONCLUSIONS
Phencyclidine exhibits hallucinogenic, depressant and stimulant properties. Phencyclidine interacts as an antagonist to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the central nervous system. Severe NMDA receptor hypofunction can elicit clinical symptoms similar to a schizophrenic episode.
Høiseth
Gudrun
G
Divisjon for rettstoksikologi og rusmiddelforskning, Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt, Postboks 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo. gugu@fhi.no
Hjelmeland
Knut
K
Bachs
Liliana
L
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000506:poisoning; D006801:Humans; D010622:Phencyclidine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000506:poisoning; D010623:Phencyclidine Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis
D006213:Hallucinogens; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D010622:Phencyclidine