Date of Submission
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemistry
Department
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Advisor
Robert Powers, Ph.D.
Keywords
Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Methylation by Phenylethanolamine n-Methyltransferase (PNMT), Human Cytosol Mix
MeSH
Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Methylation, Methyltransferases, Cytosol
LCSH
Methamphetamine, Amphetamine abuse, Methylation, Methyltransferases, Cytosol
Abstract
In current forensic analysis, the presence of methamphetamine in a sample is routinely presumed to reflect methamphetamine abuse. This is due to the expectation that individuals either abusing, or receiving amphetamine for therapeutic purposes (e.g. as treatment for ADHD) will not generate any significant levels of methamphetamine as a product of metabolism. We have hypothesized however, that because amphetamine can serve as a substrate for methylation by phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase (PNMT), (which will be in equilibrium with the reverse demethylation reaction) some individuals chronically taking amphetamine for therapeutic purposes may generate low levels of methamphetamine that would show up on a drug test. We expect that the equilibrium between amphetamine and methamphetamine is determined by both the steady-state concentration of amphetamine and product inhibition of PNMT by methamphetamine. A method for the evaluation of methylation of amphetamine in human cytosol mix has already been developed. This study aims to continue previous work through adapting previous methodology for a pure PNMT assay, and developing a methodology for sample analysis with the Schimadzu GCMS-QP2010 SE Single Quadrupole GC-MS.
Recommended Citation
Pavlik, Mackenzie, "N-Methylation of Amphetamine by Phenylethanolamine n- Methyltransferase: Implications for Chronic Therapeutic Use" (2024). Master's Theses. 206.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/masterstheses/206