Effect of the novel synthetic cannabinoids AKB48 and 5F-AKB48 on tetrad, sensorimotor, neurological and neurochemical responses in mice. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies.
AKB48 and its fluorinate derivate 5F-AKB48 are two novel synthetic cannabinoids belonging to a structural class with an indazole core structure. They are marketed as incense, herbal preparations or chemical supply for their psychoactive Cannabis-like effects. The present study was aimed at investigating the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity of AKB48 and 5F-AKB48 in male CD-1 mice and comparing their in vivo effects with those caused by the administration of Δ In vitro competition binding experiments performed on mouse and human CB For the first time, the present study demonstrates the overall pharmacological effects induced by the administration of AKB48 and 5F-AKB48 in mice and suggests that the fluorination can increase the power andor effectiveness of SCBs. Furthermore, this study outlines the potential detrimental effects of SCBs on human health.