A. Koutselinis

The cannabinoid content of marihuana samples seized in Greece and its forensic application

Abstract The three major cannabinoids, Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) were identified and determined quantitatively using a GCD (GC–EI) instrument, in samples of illicit herbal cannabis, seized by Customs and Police authorities in two areas of Greece (Ipiros and Lakonia) during 1996. These samples were sent by the above authorities to the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Athens, for forensic chemical analysis. The cannabinoid content of these samples led to the classification of cannabis into two chemical phenotypes and to the differentiation of resinous and textile plants by using three different classification indexes. The cannabinoid content of cannabis plants is of forensic value in determining the geographical origin of cannabis samples, since it can be used for their classification, allocating this way the area of cultivation of the relative plants. The forensic aspects of cannabis classification are discussed.

Occupational exposure to cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides: A Greek case

The determination of plasma or serum cholinesterase is absolute and it is considered as a reliable index of exposure in workers of organophosphorus pesticides industries. In the present study the plasma cholinesterase of 28 persons working in the packaging of an ortho-thio-phosphate was determined, before and after their exposure to this agent. The results of this study showed a plasma cholinesterase depression of 37%, a decrease which was statistically significant (P<0.001).

Phagocytosis of the protozoon Tetrahymena pyriformis as an endpoint in the estimation of cocaine salt and cocaine freebase toxicity.

Cells of the ciliated protozoon Tetrahymena pyriformis strain W, grown in a peptone‐yeast medium, usually contain many phagocytic vacuoles. The phagocytic activity of this protozoon was studied in vivo using heat‐inactivated yeast stained with carmine after exposing the cultures for 1 hour to different doses of cocaine hydrochloride or cocaine freebase (crack) (0.5, 1 or 2 mg/100 ml of protozoan culture).The number of vacuoles formed indicated the phagocytic activity. Cocaine hydrochloride and crack caused a decrease of the phagocytic activity of the protozoon (p < 0.05) when compared to the control cultures. Furthermore, the two chemical forms of cocaine, salt and free‐base respectively, caused quantitatively different effects on the phagocytic activity. Crack produced an extensive decrease in phagocytosis, compared to equal concentrations of cocaine hydrochloride. These results suggest a possible relationship between cocaine abuse and the suppression of phagocytosis that may contribute to the impairment of immunity in drug misusers.

The effects of morphine, cocaine, amphetamine and hashish on the phagocytosis of the protozoon Tetrahymena pyriformis strain W.

Cells of the ciliated protozoon Tetrahymena pyriformis, strain W, grown in a peptone-yeast medium usually contain many phagocytic vacuoles. The phagocytic activity of this protozoon was studied in vivo using heat-killed yeast stained with carmine dye and after exposing the cultures for 2 hr to morphine (20 mug/ml), cocaine (20 mug/ml), amphetamine (0.5 mug/ml) or hashish (0.1 mug/ml). The number of vacuoles formed indicated the phagocytic activity after treatment with the drugs of abuse. Amphetamine caused a slight increase (P < 0.05) in the phagocytic activity of the protozoon, whereas morphine, cocaine and hashish each caused a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in this activity.

Lead exposure of the child population in Greece

Lead exposure of the child population was studied in three different areas in Greece: Kalamata which is a rural area of Southern Greece; Tavros, a district of Athens with a considerable industrial activity; and Lavrion, a small city near Athens where a lead-zinc mining and smelting industrial complex has existed for more than 90 years. The results were evaluated with respect to a number of individual, social and environmental variables (i.e. smelter, occupation of the father) especially those concerning the area of Lavrion which is the most heavily polluted area in Greece. The results of this study can be considered as an index for the extent of the lead pollution problem in the named areas of Greece.

Detection of "uncommon" tranquillizers-sedatives during screening toxicological analysis.

The determination of some ‘‘uncommon’’ tranquillizers-sedatives during a toxicological analysis is often difficult particularly when the analysis of biological samples concern cases of mild intoxications such as one tablet intake, driving under the influence of drugs, or when no case history exists. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of identifying the intake of subtoxic doses of four anxiolytic and/or sedative drugs, namely, zolpidem, zopiclone, chlormethiazole and buspirone, during the screening procedures for drug detection in biological fluids followed in our laboratory [1]. Urine from 20 healthy volunteers, who took one tablet of each drug (5 samples for each drug) were analyzed in this study. Urine samples were collected approximately 3 hours after the intake of a single tablet or capsule of each drug. Nine urine samples from known cases of individuals that had taken subtoxic doses of these drugs were also analyzed. The urine sampling took place 2 to 4 hours after the ingestion of the drugs. No cross reactivity was observed during urine screening by fluoroscence polarization immunoassayTDx (Abbott), by enzyme immunoassay ETS Plus system (Syva), or by Triage (Merck) for opiates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, amphetamines and cannabinoids. A general cross-reactivity assessment was not performed because this was not in the purposes of our study.  10 ml of the urine samples were extracted through Chem-Elut extraction columns (Varian, Harbor City, CA), as described by Lillsunde and Korte [2]. After the extraction, the eluent was evaporated to dryness under a stream of N and was used for TLC and 2 GC–MS analysis after reconstitution in 25 ml of MeOH. TLC screening was performed according to Lillsunde and Korte [2]. All four drugs or their metabolites could not be detected in urine. The urine extracts were further analyzed by GC–MS according to a standardized method that we use in our laboratory [1].

Reduction of Lead Pollution in Greece During the Past Two Decades

We studied blood lead levels of children who lived in 3 locations in Greece. We then compared blood lead levels in our study with results of previous studies conducted in Athens and other areas of Greece. The significant reduction of blood lead levels in Greece during the past 2 decades was obvious. We also discussed the factors responsible for the overall reduction in blood lead levels.

Lacrimatory Agents: Self-Defense Devices or Dangerous Weapons?

AbstractLacrimatory substances are most commonly used as riot control agents. These agents, primarily intended to incapacitate an individual without causing illness or permanent bodily harm, are now available, in countries other than Greece, as commercial products for self-protection. These products are sold as different types of devices and are frequently used as weapons during robberies. Moreover, these devices can cause accidents since their appearance is similar to aerosol perfume containers.These products are illegal in Greece. Nevertheless, two cases in which these devices were involved are described. The toxicology of the lacrirnatory agents, as well as the legal implications concerning the possession and use of these devices as weapons, are discussed.

Changes of HDL-lipid composition as related to Δ9-THC action

An attempt was made to investigate the possible action of Δ9-THC on HDL-Lipid composition. Significant changes were observed in the serum total lipids, triglycerides and HDL subfractions after hashish smoking. The results are discussed in relation to the possible alterations of some enzymatic mechanisms regulating lipid metabolism in hashish users.

The possible effect of hashish on leukocytes and plasma lipids

The possible fluctuation of leukocytes and plasma lipids, 30--60 min after smoking hashish, was studied. Total phospholipid content in both leukocytes and plasma was increased in a similar way to the total lipid content after smoking hashish. Differences in most of the phospholipid classes in leukocytes and plasma before and after smoking hashish were observed while the values in controls and chronic users of the drug before smoking hashish were found to be relatively close. Findings are discussed in relation to the pharmacological action of the drug on liver lipid metabolism.