Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2016
Acute effects of methcathinone and manganese in mice: A dose response study
Andres Asser1, Sulev Kõks2, Ursel Soomets3
1Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu, Puusepa 8, Tartu, 51014, Estonia.
Abstract:
An intravenously injectable illicit drug made by mixing pseudoephedrine, potassium permanganate, vinegar and water, yielding methcathinone (Mcat) and manganese (Mn), induces an extrapyramidal syndrome with parkinsonism, dystonia, gait and balance disorders similar to manganism. Although the cause of the syndrome is largely attributed to Mn, the interaction of the drug's individual components is not known and the role of Mcat is possibly underestimated. Aim of the present study was to analyze dose-dependent behavioral effects of the mixture and its two main active components Mcat and Mn in an acute setting and determine the lethal doses of each substance. Three groups of C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with (1) the drug mixture containing 10, 25, 50, 100 or 150 mg of Mcat and respectively 1.6, 3.8, 6.9, 17.1 and 22.6 mg of Mn per kilogram of body weight; (2) 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 or 300 mg of racemic Mcat/kg of body weight; (3) MnCl2 10, 25 or 50 mg/kg of body weight. Locomotor activity of the animals, various signs and time of death were recorded. Lower doses (10 and 25 mg/kg) of Mcat had a clear motor activity stimulating effect and this was clearly dose-dependent. High doses of Mcat produced epileptic seizures in 74% of the animals and became lethal with the highest doses. Similarly, the mixture had a clear dose-dependent stimulating effect and the higher doses became lethal. The LD50 of the pseudoephedrine mixture was 110.2 mg of Mcat/kg and for pure Mcat 201.7 mg/kg. Mn did not prove to be lethal in doses up to 50 mg/kg, but had a strong dose dependent inhibitory effect on the animals' behavior. Our data reveal that both Mn and Mcat have a significant role in the toxicity of the mixture.
Insights
This study reveals that both methcathinone (Mcat) and manganese (Mn) significantly contribute to the toxicity of an illicit drug mixture. Both components exhibit dose-dependent behavioral effects and play a role in the drug
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Illicit drug mixtures containing pseudoephedrine, potassium permanganate, vinegar, and water yield methcathinone (Mcat) and manganese (Mn).
- This mixture can induce extrapyramidal syndromes resembling parkinsonism and manganism.
- The individual toxic contributions of Mcat and Mn within the mixture are not fully understood, with Mcat's role potentially underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose-dependent behavioral effects of the illicit drug mixture and its primary components, Mcat and Mn, in an acute setting.
- To determine the lethal doses (LD50) of the mixture and Mcat.
- To elucidate the distinct roles of Mcat and Mn in the overall toxicity profile.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6 mice were administered varying intraperitoneal doses of the drug mixture (Mcat/Mn), pure racemic Mcat, or manganese chloride (MnCl2).
- Locomotor activity, observable behavioral signs, and time of death were meticulously recorded for all experimental groups.
- Dose-response relationships and lethal doses were statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Low doses of Mcat (10 and 25 mg/kg) demonstrated a dose-dependent stimulant effect on motor activity.
- High doses of Mcat induced epileptic seizures in 74% of animals and proved lethal.
- The drug mixture also exhibited a dose-dependent stimulant effect, with higher doses being lethal. The LD50 for the mixture was 110.2 mg Mcat/kg, and for pure Mcat, it was 201.7 mg/kg.
- Manganese (Mn) did not cause lethality up to 50 mg/kg but exhibited a strong dose-dependent inhibitory effect on behavior.
Conclusions:
- Both manganese (Mn) and methcathinone (Mcat) play significant and distinct roles in the toxicity of the illicit drug mixture.
- Mcat acts as a stimulant at lower doses and can induce seizures and lethality at higher doses.
- Mn significantly inhibits behavior in a dose-dependent manner, contributing to the overall toxicological profile of the mixture.
