Pharmacokinetics of Oral Cannabinoid Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabivarin and Its Main Metabolites in Healthy Participants.

Background: Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a phytocannabinoid commonly found in cannabis with potential pharmacological properties; however, its post-acute pharmacokinetics (PK) in humans have not been studied yet. THCV has two isomers, Δ9- and Δ8-THCV, which seem to have different pharmacological properties. We investigated the PK of the Δ8-THCV isomer after oral administration as part of a two-phase, dose-ranging, placebo-controlled trial in healthy participants.

Impact of prenatal exposure to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on birth size and postnatal growth trajectories.

Background: Prenatal exposure to cannabis (or more specifically, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC]) has been consistently linked to low birthweight. Animal models further show that Δ9-THC is associated with rapid postnatal growth. Whether this association is modified by breastfeeding is unknown.

Quantification of 11 kratom alkaloids including mitragynine and its main metabolites in human plasma using LC-MS/MS.

Recently in the USA, kratom consumers increasingly report use of the plant for self-treatment of mood ailments, the lack of energy, chronic pain, and opioid withdrawal and dependence. Several alkaloids are present in kratom leaves, but limited data are available on their pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, except for mitragynine. To support clinical studies, a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for the simultaneous quantification of 11 kratom alkaloids in human plasma was developed and validated.

Behavioral Analyses in Dark Agouti Rats Following Repeated Systemic Treatment With Fingolimod (FTY720).

Background: Studies in experimental animals revealed that acute and chronic treatment with small-molecule immunosuppressive drugs lead to neurobehavioral alterations in rodents.

Methods: Against this background, this study investigated behavioral alterations in rats after repeated administration of FTY720, an immunosuppressive drug used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, employing the open field, elevated plus maze, and dark/light tests.

Results: Compared to controls, repeated FTY720 treatment affected behavior in rats, reflected by a reduction in distance traveled as well as increased time engaged in freezing in the open field and elevated plus maze.

A Validated LC-MS/MS Assay for the Quantification of Cholate Isotopes in Human Serum.

Background: Current methods for evaluating liver health rely on nonspecific blood tests, elastography surrogates for fibrosis, and invasive procedures, none of which directly measure liver function and physiology. Herein we present the analytical validation of a unique, highly sensitive LC-MS/MS assay and dual-sample oral (DuO) cholate challenge test to reliably quantify serial serum concentrations of cholate isotopes administered to patients with liver diseases. The clearance of administered cholate isotopes measured by the assay provides information about liver function and physiology.