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- Björnstad, Kristian
(författare)
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Mass spectrometric investigation of intoxications with plant-derived psychoactive substances
- 2009
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The flora of the world contains many plants and fungi with stimulant, hallucinogenic and narcotic effects. For centuries, many of these have been used in initiation rites, physical and spiritual healing and rites of divination. Many of the plants are not placed under any restrictions regarding their use and sale and, with use of the Internet, they are easily obtained. LC-MS/MS and GC-MS methods were developed and used for the detection of 12 plantderived psychoactive substances, in urine samples, in cases of intoxication. The investigated substances were: asarones, atropine, DMT, ephedrine, harmaline, harmine, ibogaine, LSA, mescaline, psilocin, scopolamine and yohimbine. Urine samples (n=462) from patients admitted to the Maria youth clinic were analyzed for the presence of mescaline. No samples were positive for mescaline, but the method was validated using a clinical sample from a German intoxication case. Urine samples (n=103) from patients admitted to emergency departments all over Sweden were investigated for all 12 substances included in this study. All patients either admitted intake of a psychoactive plant substance or were suspected thereof. In 41 of the 103 samples at least one of the investigated substances was present. The most common substance was psilocin, found in 22 urine samples. Mydriasis, tachycardia, visual hallucinations, nausea and vomiting were the symptoms most often reported. These symptoms can be regarded as minor or moderate in terms of severity. The results suggest a low occurrence of psychoactive plant use in Sweden. Studies were done in attempt to elucidate the metabolic pattern of α- and b-asarone in humans. Cis(b)-2,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid was regarded to be the most abundant metabolite, evidence of a hydroxylated metabolite, thought to be hydroxylated b-asarone, was also found. Today these substances are often marketed on the Internet as 'safe' and 'legal highs', which may lead to an increased use and calls for continuous investigation into psychoactive plant intoxications.
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| 3. |
- Tevell Åberg, Annica, et al.
(författare)
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Mass Spectrometric Detection of Protein-Based Toxins
- 2013
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Ingår i: Biosecurity and bioterrorism. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1538-7135 .- 1557-850X. ; 11:S1, s. S215-S226
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This review focuses on mass spectrometric detection of protein-based toxins, which are among the most toxic substances known. Special emphasis is given to the bacterial toxins botulinum neurotoxin from Clostridium botulinum and anthrax toxins from Bacillus anthracis as well as the plant toxin ricin produced by Ricinus communis. A common feature, apart from their extreme toxicity, is that they are composed of 2 polypeptide chains, one of which is responsible for cell uptake and another that has enzymatic function with the ability to destroy basic cellular functions. These toxins pose a threat, both regarding natural spread and from a terrorism perspective. In order for public health and emergency response officials to take appropriate action in case of an outbreak, whether natural or intentional, there is a need for fast and reliable detection methods. Traditionally, large molecules like proteins have been detected using immunological techniques. Although sensitive, these methods suffer from some drawbacks, such as the risk of false-positives due to cross-reactions and detection of inactive toxin. This article describes recently developed instrumental methods based on mass spectrometry for the reliable detection of botulinum neurotoxins, anthrax toxins, and ricin. Unequivocal identification of a protein toxin can be carried out by mass spectrometry-based amino acid sequencing. Furthermore, in combination with antibody affinity preconcentration and biochemical tests with mass spectrometric detection demonstrating the toxin's enzymatic activity, very powerful analytical methods have been described. In conclusion, the advent of sensitive, easily operated mass spectrometers provides new possibilities for the detection of protein-based toxins.
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