In vitro and in vivo metabolism of 3-MeO-PCE in human liver microsomes, a zebrafish model, and two human urine samples based on liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry.
Drug Testing and Analysis May 1, 2023 Linhao Xu, Xinze Liu, Zixuan Song et al.
3-Methoxyeticyclidine (3-MeO-PCE), a substance related to phencyclidine (PCP), binds more strongly to NMDA receptors than PCP and has been linked to fatal overdoses. Using zebrafish and human liver microsomes, researchers identified 14 metabolites of 3-MeO-PCE through metabolic pathways including hydroxylation, O-demethylation, N-dealkylation, dehydrogenation, and conjugation. Urine samples from known consumers revealed 3-MeO-PCE and three metabolites. The hydroxylation product, M2, is recommended as a biomarker to confirm 3-MeO-PCE intake in clinical and forensic settings.