3-HO-PCE

3-hydroxyeticyclidine (commonly known as 3-ho-pce) is a novel synthetic dissociative substance of the arylcyclohexylamine chemical class. it produces potent, dose-sensitive dissociative, hallucinogenic and euphoric effects when administered. unlike its close structural analog 3-ho-pcp, this compound has no precedent in the scientific literature before being offered on the research chemicals market in the 2010s.

early discussions of this compound have revolved around whether it possesses an appreciable affinity for the μ-opioid receptor given its structural relationship to 3-ho-pcp, which has been shown to display affinity for the μ-opioid receptor in animal models. whether it produces any of its theorized opioid effects in humans is the subject of ongoing discussion. if it does, 3-ho-pce may pose unique risks relative to other dissociatives, particularly when it is redosed.

following other substances of its class, particularly methoxetamine (mxe), phencyclidine (pcp), and 3-meo-pce, it is speculated to to be able to induce a state known as “dissociative anesthesia“. early reports suggest that this state is difficult to reach relative to other dissociatives, and its general effects profile has been characterized as “lying halfway between 3-meo-pcp and 3-meo-pce.”

there is a lack of data of the pharmacological properties, metabolism and toxicity of 3-ho-pce. to date, there have been no analytical studies conducted on samples of 3-ho-pce distributed through the grey market via independent laboratories. due to an unknown toxicity profile and likely similar habit-forming properties shared by other hydroxylanated arylcyclohexylamines, it is strongly recommended that one use proper harm reduction practices if choosing to use this substance.

history and culture

on october 18, 2012 the advisory council on the misuse of drugs in the united kingdom released a report about methoxetamine, saying that the “harms of methoxetamine are commensurate with class b of the misuse of drugs act (1971)”, despite the fact that the act does not classify drugs based on harm. the report went on to suggest that all analogues of mxe should also become class b drugs and suggested a catch-all clause covering both existing and unresearched arylcyclohexamines, which includes 3-ho-pce.

chemistry

3-ho-pce, or 3-hydroxyeticyclidine, is a synthetic dissociative of the arylcyclohexylamine class. the structure of 3-ho-pce is comprised of cyclohexane, a six-member saturated ring, bonded to two additional groups at r₁. one of these an ethyl chain bonded at its nitrogen group. the other ring is an aromatic phenyl ring, substituted at r₃ with a hydroxy group.

3-ho-pce is an analog of pce and structurally homologous to 3-meo-pce.

pharmacology

while no formal studies have been conducted, 3-ho-pce likely acts principally as an nmda receptor antagonist.

the nmda (n-methyl-d-aspartate) receptor, a specific subtype of glutamate receptor, modulates the transmission of electrical signals between neurons in the brain and spinal cord; for the signals to pass, the receptor must be open.

dissociatives inhibit the normal functioning nmda receptors by binding to and blocking them. this disruption of neural network activity leads to loss of normal cognitive and affective processing, psychomotor functioning, anesthesia.

there is ongoing speculation as to whether this compound possesses μ-opioid receptor activity due to its structural relationship to 3-ho-pcp, which has been found to have appreciable affinity as a μ-opioid receptor agonist in animal models.