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Variation in human plasma cholinesterase activity during low-dose cocaine administration
R S Hoffman1, T Thompson, G C Henry
1New York University School of Medicine and New York City Poison Control Center, 10016, USA. bobhoff@pol.net
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|April 16, 1998
Summary
Plasma cholinesterase activity did not change acutely with cocaine use but increased during inpatient study. This finding may impact cocaine research and explain lower enzyme levels in users.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Plasma cholinesterase (PChE) activity is linked to cocaine toxicity.
- Lower PChE levels are observed in cocaine users and those with severe intoxication.
- The relationship between PChE activity and cocaine use requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cocaine use and plasma cholinesterase activity.
- To determine if acute cocaine administration affects PChE levels.
- To assess PChE fluctuations during an inpatient cocaine study.
Main Methods:
- Nine subjects with a history of regular smoked cocaine use were studied.
- PChE activity was measured daily during a 4-day period of controlled cocaine administration and adjacent drug-free days.
- Measurements were taken twice daily (9 AM and 4 PM).
Main Results:
- Plasma cholinesterase activity showed a significant increase from day 1 to day 8 of the inpatient study (p = 0.025).
- No significant change in PChE levels was observed within a 7-hour period (9 AM to 4 PM).
- There was no difference in daily PChE change between high- and low-dose cocaine days.
Conclusions:
- Acute cocaine administration does not appear to alter plasma cholinesterase levels within a 7-hour timeframe.
- An increase in PChE activity during inpatient study may influence cocaine pharmacokinetics and effects.
- These findings offer insights into the etiology of reduced PChE activity in chronic cocaine users.