title: The effects of synthetic cannabinoid UR-144 on the human body-A review of 39 cases.
abstract: UR-144 [(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone] is a synthetic cannabinoid, which has been detected in many 'legal highs', seized from the global drug market since the beginning of 2012. It has gained popularity as a 'legal' alternative to classic cannabis in countries where it was not controlled. Despite the widespread distribution of this substance, the data on its effects on the human body are scarce. Therefore, this paper describes the results of analysis and observed effects in 39 cases in which UR-144 was determined in blood. Symptoms were noted from the blood sampling forms filled out by the representative doctor. The determined concentrations of UR-144 were in the range of trace amounts (LOD-0.15ng/mL; LOQ-0.5ng/mL) up to 17ng/mL. The most common observed effects included slurred speech, dilated pupils, sluggish and abnormal pupillary reaction, cheerful behaviour, poor coordination, and staggering. Less frequently observed were: verbosity, narrow pupils, loss of consciousness, pale or reddened facial skin, blackout, euphoria, agitation, hallucinations, hindered communication, shaking hands, seizures, convulsions, somnolence, delayed movements, redness of the conjunctiva, and tachycardia. The discussed cases show the effects observed after UR-144 use. This study can assist in the recognition of possible effects caused by this substance.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland. Electronic address: padamowicz@ies.krakow.pl.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Adamowicz
authors.affiliation: Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gieroń
authors.affiliation: Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Dominika
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gil
authors.affiliation: Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lechowicz
authors.affiliation: Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skulska
authors.affiliation: Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Bogdan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tokarczyk
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000187:drug effects; D015198:Designer Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D005059:Euphoria / Q000187:drug effects; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D015878:Mydriasis / Q000139:chemically induced; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D013575:Syncope / Q000139:chemically induced; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000139:chemically induced; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000139:chemically induced; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: C586710:(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone; D002186:Cannabinoids; D015198:Designer Drugs; D007211:Indoles
keywords: Blood concentrations; Effects; Symptoms; Synthetic cannabinoid; UR-144