A major glucuronidated metabolite of JWH-018 is a neutral antagonist at CB1 receptors

Chem Res Toxicol. 2012 Apr 16;25(4):825-7. doi: 10.1021/tx3000472. Epub 2012 Mar 15.

Abstract

Recently, hydroxylated metabolites of JWH-018, a synthetic cannabinoid found in many K2/Spice preparations, have been shown to retain affinity and activity for cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs). The activity of glucuronidated metabolites of JWH-018 is not known; hence, this study investigated the affinity and activity of a major metabolite, JWH-018-N-(5-hydroxypentyl) β-D-glucuronide (018-gluc), for CB1Rs. The 018-gluc binds CB1Rs (K(i) = 922 nM), has no effect on G-protein activity, but antagonizes JWH-018 activity at CB1Rs. The data suggests that hydroxylation by cytochrome P450s and subsequent glucuronidation by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases produces a metabolite, 018-gluc, which possesses antagonistic activity at CB1Rs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Glucuronides / chemistry
  • Glucuronosyltransferase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydroxylation
  • Indoles / chemistry
  • Indoles / metabolism*
  • Indoles / toxicity
  • Naphthalenes / chemistry
  • Naphthalenes / metabolism*
  • Naphthalenes / toxicity
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Glucuronides
  • Indoles
  • Naphthalenes
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Glucuronosyltransferase
  • 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole