View source for Phencyclidine

{{short description|Dissociative hallucinogenic drug, mostly used recreationally}}
{{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}}
{{Infobox drug
| Verifiedfields = changed
| Watchedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid = 464373911
| drug_name = 
| IUPAC_name = 1-(1-Phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine
| image = Phencyclidine.svg
| image_class = skin-invert-image
| image_class2 = bg-transparent
| width = 135px
| image2 = Phencyclidine-from-xtal-3D-balls.png
| width2 = 225px

<!--Clinical data-->| tradename = Sernyl, Sernylan (both discontinued)
| Drugs.com = {{drugs.com|parent|phencyclidine}}
| MedlinePlus = 
| licence_EU = 
| licence_US = 
| pregnancy_AU = 
| pregnancy_US = 
| pregnancy_category = 
| legal_AU = S8
| legal_BR = A3
| legal_CA = Schedule I
| legal_DE = Anlage I
| legal_NZ = Class A
| legal_UK = Class A
| legal_US = Schedule II
| legal_UN = P II
| legal_status = Tabella I in Italy
| routes_of_administration = [[Smoking]], [[Injection (medicine)|injection]], [[Insufflation (medicine)|snorted]], [[oral administration|by mouth]]<ref name="Giannini 1998">{{cite book |vauthors=Giannini AJ |year=1998 |chapter=Chapter 35: Phencyclidine |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-0r0BwAAQBAJ&pg=PA579 |veditors=Tarter RE, Ammerman R, Ott PJ |title=Handbook of Substance Abuse: Neurobehavioral Pharmacology |location=New York |publisher=[[Plenum Publishing Corporation]] |pages=579–587 |isbn=978-1-4757-2913-9}}</ref><ref name=NIH2018Fact/>
| dependency_liability = [[Physical dependence|Physical]]: Low
[[Psychological dependence|Psychological]]: Moderate<ref name= PP933>{{cite book |vauthors=Stobo JD, Traill TA, Hellmann DB, Ladenson PW, Petty BG |title=The Principles and Practice of Medicine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aA9mMB3lDh4C |publisher=McGraw Hill Professional |date=1996 |page=933 |quote=high abuse liability |isbn=978-0-07-138365-3 |via=Google Books}}</ref>
| addiction_liability = Variable, reported from low to high<ref name="NHM-PCP and ketamine"/><ref name= PP933 />
| class = [[NMDA receptor antagonists]]; [[General anesthetics]]; [[Dissociative hallucinogen]]s<ref name="Giannini 1998"/>

<!--Pharmacokinetic data-->| bioavailability = 
| protein_bound = 
| metabolism = [[Oxidation|Oxidative]] [[hydroxylation]] in [[liver]] by [[cytochrome P450|CYP450]] [[enzyme]]s, [[glucuronidation]]
| metabolites = PCHP, PPC, PCAA
| onset = 2–60 min<ref name=Ri2010>{{cite book |vauthors=Riviello RJ |title=Manual of forensic emergency medicine: a guide for clinicians |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=keng9ELAE2IC&pg=PA41 |publisher=Jones and Bartlett Publishers |location=Sudbury, MA |year=2010 |pages=41–42 |isbn=978-0-7637-4462-5 |via=Google Books}}</ref>
| elimination_half-life = 7–46 hours
| duration_of_action = 6–48 hours<ref name=Ri2010/>
| excretion = Urine

<!--Identifiers-->| IUPHAR_ligand = 4282
| CAS_number_Ref = {{cascite|correct|??}}
| CAS_number = 77-10-1
| ATC_prefix = None
| PubChem = 6468
| DrugBank_Ref = {{drugbankcite|correct|drugbank}}
| DrugBank = DB03575
| ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}}
| ChemSpiderID = 6224
| UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
| UNII = J1DOI7UV76
| KEGG_Ref = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}}
| KEGG = C07575
| ChEBI_Ref = {{ebicite|changed|EBI}}
| ChEBI = 8058
| ChEMBL_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
| ChEMBL = 275528
| synonyms = CI-395; Phenylcyclohexylpiperidine; "Angel dust"<ref name=Jus2003/>

<!--Chemical data-->| C = 17
| H = 25
| N = 1
| SMILES = c1ccccc1C2(CCCCC2)N3CCCCC3
| StdInChI_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
| StdInChI = 1S/C17H25N/c1-4-10-16(11-5-1)17(12-6-2-7-13-17)18-14-8-3-9-15-18/h1,4-5,10-11H,2-3,6-9,12-15H2
| StdInChIKey_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
| StdInChIKey = JTJMJGYZQZDUJJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

<!--Physical data-->| melting_point = 46.5
| melting_high = 
| boiling_point = 136
}}
<!-- Definition and effects -->

'''Phencyclidine''' or '''phenylcyclohexyl piperidine''' ('''PCP'''), also known in its use as a [[Recreational drug use|street drug]] as '''angel dust''' among other names, is a [[dissociative]] [[anesthetic]] mainly used recreationally for its significant mind-altering effects.<ref name=Jus2003>{{cite web|title=PCP Fast Facts |url= https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs4/4440/| website= justice.gov |publisher= [[National Drug Intelligence Center]]|access-date=19 February 2018| date= 2003| archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210814124326/https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs4/4440/}}</ref><ref name="Giannini 1998"/> PCP may cause [[hallucinations]], distorted perceptions of sounds, and [[psychosis|psychotic behavior]].<ref name= "Giannini 1998"/><ref name=Bush2013>{{cite book| vauthors = Bush DM |chapter= Emergency Department Visits Involving Phencyclidine (PCP)|title=The CBHSQ Report |location=Rockville, MD | publisher=Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration |date=2013 |pmid=27656747 |quote=PCP can lead to hostile behavior that may result in episodes of extreme violence}}</ref><ref name=NIH2016Hal/> As a [[recreational drug]], it is typically [[Smoking|smoked]], but may be taken [[Oral administration|by mouth]], [[Insufflation (medicine)|snorted]], or [[Injection (medicine)|injected]].<ref name="Giannini 1998"/><ref name=NIH2018Fact>{{cite web |url=http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/hallucinogens.html |title=NIDA InfoFacts: Hallucinogens – LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP |website=drugabuse.gov |publisher=[[National Institute on Drug Abuse]] |access-date=2018-02-19}}</ref><ref name= Bush2013/> It may also be mixed with [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] or [[tobacco]].<ref name=Jus2003/><ref name="Giannini 1998"/>

<!-- Adverse effects and mechanism -->
[[Adverse effects]] may include [[paranoia]], [[addiction]], and an increased risk of [[suicide]], as well as [[seizure]]s and [[coma]] in cases of [[overdose]].<ref name=Bush2013/> [[Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder|Flashback]]s may occur despite stopping usage.<ref name=NIH2016Hal>{{cite web |title=Hallucinogens |url=https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens |publisher=[[National Institute on Drug Abuse]] |access-date=20 February 2018 |date=January 2016}}</ref> Chemically, PCP is a member of the [[arylcyclohexylamine]] [[chemical classification|class]].<ref name="Giannini 1998"/><ref name=Mar2014/><ref name=Zed2007>{{cite book |vauthors=Zedeck BE, Zedeck MS |title=Forensic Pharmacology |date=2007 |publisher=Infobase Publishing |isbn=978-1-4381-0382-2 |page=97 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tyBE3F5ACK4C&pg=PA97}}</ref> PCP works primarily as an [[NMDA receptor antagonist]].<ref name=Mar2014>{{cite book |vauthors=Marion NE, Oliver WM |title=Drugs in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law |year=2014 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-61069-596-1 |page=732 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c5PgBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA732 |via=Google Books}}</ref>

<!-- Current usage -->
PCP is most commonly used in the US.<ref>{{cite web |title=PCP |url=http://www.ginad.org/en/drugs/drugs/306/pcp- |website=ginad.org |access-date=2018-02-20 |archive-date=2018-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910002927/http://www.ginad.org/en/drugs/drugs/306/pcp- }}</ref> While usage peaked in the US in the 1970s,<ref>{{cite web |title=PCP |website=cesar.umd.edu |url=http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/pcp.asp |publisher= |access-date=20 February 2018 |archive-date=12 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312005219/http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/pcp.asp}}</ref> between 2005 and 2011, an increase in visits to emergency departments as a result of the drug occurred.<ref name=Bush2013/> As of 2022, in the US, about 0.7% of [[Twelfth grade|12th-grade]] students reported using PCP in the prior year, while 1.7% of people in the US over age 25 reported using it at some point in their lives.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hallucinogens| url= https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/hallucinogens| website= drugabuse.gov| publisher= National Institute on Drug Abuse |access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=3 June 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200603125635/https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/hallucinogens}}</ref>
<!-- History and culture -->

{{TOC limit|3}}

==Recreational uses==
[[File:Phencyclidine (PCP).jpg|thumb|right|Illicit PCP in several forms seized by the [[DEA]]]]
Phencyclidine is used for its ability to induce a dissociative state.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Millan MJ, Brocco M, Gobert A, Joly F, Bervoets K, Rivet J, Newman-Tancredi A, Audinot V, Maurel S | title = Contrasting mechanisms of action and sensitivity to antipsychotics of phencyclidine versus amphetamine: importance of nucleus accumbens 5-HT2A sites for PCP-induced locomotion in the rat | journal = The European Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 11 | issue = 12 | pages = 4419–32 | date = December 1999 | pmid = 10594669 | doi = 10.1046/j.1460-9568.1999.00858.x | s2cid = 43150509 }}</ref>

===Effects===
Behavioral effects can vary by dosage. Low doses produce numbness in the extremities and intoxication, characterized by staggering, unsteady gait, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and loss of balance. Moderate doses (5–10&nbsp;mg intranasal, or 0.01–0.02&nbsp;mg/kg intramuscular or intravenous) will produce [[analgesia]] and anesthesia. High doses may lead to [[convulsions]].<ref name="Diaz">Diaz, Jaime. How Drugs Influence Behavior. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall, 1996.</ref> The drug is often illegally produced under poorly controlled conditions; this means that users may be unaware of the actual dose they are taking.<ref name="Neuroscience for Kids">{{cite web |url= http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/pcp.html |title=Neuroscience for Kids – PCP| vauthors = Chudler EM |access-date=2011-01-26 |work=Neuroscience for Kids}}</ref>

Psychological effects include severe changes in [[body image (medicine)|body image]], [[Ego death|loss of ego boundaries]], [[paranoia]], and [[depersonalization]]. Psychosis, agitation and dysphoria, hallucinations, blurred vision, [[euphoria]], and [[suicidal impulse]]s are also reported, as well as occasional aggressive behavior.<ref name="beyT"/><ref name=Inciardi/>{{rp|48–49}}<ref name="Diaz"/> PCP may induce feelings of strength, power, and invulnerability as well as a numbing effect on the mind.<ref name=NIH2018Fact/>

Studies by the [[Drug Abuse Warning Network]] in the 1970s show that media reports of PCP-induced violence are greatly exaggerated and that incidents of violence are unusual and often limited to individuals with reputations for aggression regardless of drug use.<ref name=Inciardi/>{{rp|48}} Although uncommon, events of PCP-intoxicated individuals acting in an unpredictable fashion, possibly driven by their delusions or hallucinations, have been publicized.<ref name="Morgan">{{cite journal | vauthors = Morgan JP, Kagan D | title = The Dusting of America: The Image of Phencyclidine (PCP) in the Popular Media | journal = Journal of Psychedelic Drugs | volume = 12 | issue = 3–4 | pages = 195–204 | date = July 1980 | pmid = 7431414 | doi = 10.1080/02791072.1980.10471426 }}</ref> Other commonly cited types of incidents include inflicting property damage and self-mutilation of various types, such as pulling out one's teeth.<ref name=Inciardi/>{{rp|48}}<ref name="Morgan"/> These effects were not noted in its medicinal use in the 1950s and 1960s, however, reports of physical violence on PCP have often been shown to be unfounded.<ref name=brecher>{{cite journal | vauthors = Brecher M, Wang BW, Wong H, Morgan JP | title = Phencyclidine and violence: clinical and legal issues | journal = Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology | volume = 8 | issue = 6 | pages = 397–401 | date = December 1988 | pmid = 3069880 | doi = 10.1097/00004714-198812000-00003 | s2cid = 33659160 }}</ref><ref name=wish>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wish ED | title = PCP and crime: just another illicit drug? | journal = NIDA Research Monograph | volume = 64 | pages = 174–89 | year = 1986 | pmid = 3086733 }}</ref>

Recreational doses of the drug also occasionally appear to [[Substance-induced psychosis|induce a psychotic state]], with emotional and cognitive impairment that resembles a [[Schizophrenia|schizophrenic]] episode.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Uchida M, Hida H, Mori K, Yoshimi A, Kitagaki S, Yamada K, Hiraoka Y, Aida T, Tanaka K, Ozaki N, Noda Y |title=Functional roles of the glial glutamate transporter (GLAST) in emotional and cognitive abnormalities of mice after repeated phencyclidine administration |journal=Eur Neuropsychopharmacol |date=August 2019 |volume=29 |issue=8 |pages=918–24 |doi=10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.06.005 |pmid=31303267 |s2cid=195887087 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Luisada PV |title=The phencyclidine psychosis: phenomenology and treatment |journal=NIDA Research Monograph |issue=21 |pages=241–253 |date=August 1978 |pmid=101872 |url=https://archives.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/monograph21.pdf |veditors=Petersen RC, Stillman RC |publisher=[[National Institute on Drug Abuse]]}}</ref> Users generally report feeling detached from reality.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Pender JW |title=Dissociative anesthesia |journal=California Medicine |volume=117 |issue=4 |pages=46–47 |date=October 1972 |pmid=18730832 |pmc=1518731}}</ref>

Symptoms are summarized by the [[list of medical mnemonics|mnemonic]] device RED DANES: rage, [[erythema]] (redness of skin), dilated pupils, delusions, [[amnesia]], [[nystagmus]] (oscillation of the eyeball when moving laterally), excitation, and skin dryness.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Giannini AJ |title=Drugs of Abuse|edition=Second|publisher=Los Angeles: Practice Management Information Corp|year=1997|page=126|isbn=978-1-57066-053-5}}</ref>

===Addiction===
PCP is self-administered and induces [[ΔFosB]] expression in the [[D1-type]] [[medium spiny neuron]]s of the [[nucleus accumbens]],<ref name="NHM-PCP and ketamine">{{cite book |vauthors=Malenka RC, Nestler EJ, Hyman SE |veditors=Sydor A, Brown RY | title = Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience | year = 2009 | publisher = McGraw-Hill Medical | location = New York | isbn = 978-0-07-148127-4 | pages = 374–375 | edition = 2nd | chapter = Chapter 15: Reinforcement and Addictive Disorders}}</ref><ref name="PCP ΔFosB">{{cite journal| vauthors = Nestler EJ |title=Review. Transcriptional mechanisms of addiction: role of DeltaFosB|journal=Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci.|volume=363|issue=1507|pages=3245–3255|date=October 12, 2008|pmid=18640924|doi=10.1098/rstb.2008.0067|pmc=2607320}}{{cite journal|title=Table 1: Drugs of abuse known to induce ΔFosB in nucleus accumbens after chronic administration|pmc=2607320|pmid=18640924|doi=10.1098/rstb.2008.0067|volume=363|issue=1507|date=October 2008|journal=Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci.|pages=3245–55|vauthors=Nestler EJ}}</ref> and accordingly, excessive PCP use is known to cause [[addiction]].<ref name="NHM-PCP and ketamine"/> PCP's [[rewarding]] and [[reinforcing]] effects are at least partly mediated by blocking the [[NMDA receptor]]s in the glutamatergic inputs to D1-type medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens.<ref name="NHM-PCP and ketamine"/> PCP has been shown to produce [[conditioned place aversion]] and [[conditioned place preference]] in animal studies.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Noda Y, Nabeshima T | title = Neuronal mechanisms of phencyclidine-induced place aversion and preference in the conditioned place preference task | journal = Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology | volume = 20 | issue = 7 | pages = 607–11 | date = September 1998 | pmid = 9819806 | doi = 10.1358/mf.1998.20.7.485726 }}</ref>

===Schizophrenia===
A 2019 review found that the transition rate from a diagnosis of [[Substance-induced psychosis|hallucinogen-induced psychosis]] (which included PCP) to that of schizophrenia was 26%. This was lower than [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]]-induced psychosis (34%) but higher than [[amphetamine]]- (22%), [[opioid]]- (12%), [[Alcohol (drug)|alcohol]]- (10%), and [[sedative]]-induced (9%) psychoses. In comparison, the transition rate to schizophrenia for "brief, atypical and not otherwise specified" psychosis was found to be 36%.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Murrie B, Lappin J, Large M, Sara G | title = Transition of Substance-Induced, Brief, and Atypical Psychoses to Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis | journal = Schizophrenia Bulletin | volume = 46 | issue = 3 | pages = 505–516 | date = April 2020 | pmid = 31618428 | pmc = 7147575 | doi = 10.1093/schbul/sbz102 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

===Methods of administration===
{{redirect|Sherm stick|the song by Jayo Felony|Take a Ride}}
PCP has multiple routes of administration. Most commonly, the powder form of the drug is snorted. PCP can also be orally ingested, injected subcutaneously or intravenously, or smoked laced with marijuana or cigarettes.<ref name="Bertron_2018">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bertron JL, Seto M, Lindsley CW | title = DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Phencyclidine (PCP) | journal = ACS Chemical Neuroscience | volume = 9 | issue = 10 | pages = 2459–2474 | date = October 2018 | pmid = 29953199 | doi = 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00266 | s2cid = 49603581 }}</ref>
* PCP can be ingested through smoking. "Fry" and "sherm" are street terms for marijuana or tobacco cigarettes that are dipped in PCP and then dried.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs11/12208/|title=Fry Fast Facts|publisher=[[National Drug Intelligence Center]]|access-date=2017-01-15|archive-date=2021-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417111038/https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs11/12208/}}</ref>
* PCP hydrochloride can be insufflated (snorted), depending upon the purity. This is most often referred to as "angel dust".<ref name="Bertron_2018" /> 
* An oral pill can also be compressed from the co-compounded powder form of the drug. This is usually referred to as "peace pill".<ref name="Bertron_2018" />
* The [[free base]] is hydrophobic and may be absorbed through skin and mucous membranes (often inadvertently). This form of the drug is commonly called "wack".<ref name="Bertron_2018" />

==Management of intoxication==
Management of PCP intoxication mostly consists of supportive care – controlling breathing, circulation, and body temperature – and, in the early stages, treating psychiatric symptoms.<ref name=eMedicine>{{cite journal |url=http://www.emedicine.com/med/TOPIC1813.HTM |title=Phencyclidine Toxicity |vauthors=Helman RS, Habal R |date=October 6, 2008 |journal=[[eMedicine]]}} Retrieved on November 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=Goldfrank>{{cite book | vauthors = Olmedo R |chapter=Chapter 69: Phencyclidine and ketamine |title=Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies |veditors=Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, Howland MA, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS |publisher=[[McGraw-Hill]] |location=New York |year=2002 |pages=1034–1041 |isbn=978-0-07-136001-2 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HVYyRsuUEc0C&pg=PA1041}}</ref><ref name=Milhorn>{{cite journal | vauthors = Milhorn HT | title = Diagnosis and management of phencyclidine intoxication | journal = American Family Physician | volume = 43 | issue = 4 | pages = 1293–302 | date = Apr 1991 | pmid = 2008817 }}</ref> [[Benzodiazepine]]s, such as [[lorazepam]], are the [[first-line therapy|drugs of choice]] to control agitation and seizures (when present). [[Typical antipsychotics]] such as [[phenothiazine]]s and [[haloperidol]] have been used to control psychotic symptoms, but may produce many undesirable side effects – such as [[dystonia]] – and their use is therefore no longer preferred; phenothiazines are particularly risky, as they may lower the [[seizure threshold]], worsen [[hyperthermia]], and boost the [[anticholinergic]] effects of PCP.<ref name=eMedicine /><ref name=Goldfrank /> If an antipsychotic is given, [[intramuscular injection|intramuscular]] haloperidol has been recommended.<ref name=Milhorn /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Giannini AJ, Price WA | year = 1985 | title = PCP: Management of acute intoxication | journal = Medical Times | volume = 113 | issue = 9| pages = 43–49 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Giannini AJ, Eighan MS, Loiselle RH, Giannini MC | title = Comparison of haloperidol and chlorpromazine in the treatment of phencyclidine psychosis | journal = Journal of Clinical Pharmacology | volume = 24 | issue = 4 | pages = 202–4 | date = Apr 1984 | pmid = 6725621 | doi = 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1984.tb01831.x | s2cid = 42278510 }}</ref>

[[Forced diuresis|Forced acid diuresis]] (with [[ammonium chloride]] or, more safely, [[ascorbic acid]]) may increase the clearance of PCP from the body, and was somewhat controversially recommended in the past as a [[decontamination]] measure.<ref name=eMedicine /><ref name=Goldfrank /><ref name=Milhorn /> However, it is now known that only around 10% of a dose of PCP is removed by the kidneys, which would make increased urinary clearance of little consequence; furthermore, urinary [[acid]]ification is dangerous, as it may induce [[acidosis]] and worsen [[rhabdomyolysis]] (muscle breakdown), a not-unusual manifestation of PCP toxicity.<ref name=eMedicine /><ref name=Goldfrank />

==Pharmacology==

===Pharmacodynamics===
{| class="wikitable floatright" style="font-size:small;"
|+ Phencyclidine<ref name="PDSP">{{cite web |title=PDSP K<sub>i</sub> Database |work=Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (PDSP) |vauthors=Roth BL, Driscol J|author1-link=Bryan Roth |publisher=University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the United States National Institute of Mental Health |access-date=14 August 2017 |url=https://kidbdev.med.unc.edu/databases/pdsp.php?knowID=0&kiKey=&receptorDD=&receptor=&speciesDD=&species=&sourcesDD=&source=&hotLigandDD=&hotLigand=&testLigandDD=&testFreeRadio=testFreeRadio&testLigand=phencyclidine&referenceDD=&reference=&KiGreater=&KiLess=&kiAllRadio=all&doQuery=Submit+Query}}</ref><ref name="pmid29953199">{{cite journal |vauthors=Berton JL, Seto M, Lindsley CW |title=DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Phencyclidine (PCP) |journal=ACS Chem Neurosci |volume=9| issue=10| pages=2459–2474| date=June 2018 |pmid=29953199 |doi=10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00266 |s2cid=49603581}}</ref>
|-
! Site !! K<sub>i</sub> ([[Nanomolar|nM]]) !! Action !! Species !! {{Reference column heading}}
|-
| '''{{abbrlink|NMDA|N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor}}''' || '''59'''|| '''Antagonist''' || '''Human''' || <ref name="pmid23527166">{{cite journal | vauthors = Roth BL, Gibbons S, Arunotayanun W, Huang XP, Setola V, Treble R, Iversen L | title = The ketamine analogue methoxetamine and 3- and 4-methoxy analogues of phencyclidine are high affinity and selective ligands for the glutamate NMDA receptor | journal = PLOS ONE | volume = 8 | issue = 3 | article-number = e59334 | year = 2013 | pmid = 23527166 | pmc = 3602154 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0059334 | bibcode = 2013PLoSO...859334R | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="pmid7968938" />
|-
| {{abbrlink|MOR|μ-Opioid receptor}} || >10,000 || {{abbr|ND|No data}} || Human || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|-
| {{abbrlink|DOR|δ-Opioid receptor}} || >10,000 || {{abbr|ND|No data}} || Human || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|-
| {{abbrlink|KOR|κ-Opioid receptor}} || >10,000 || {{abbr|ND|No data}} || Human || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|-
| {{abbrlink|NOP|Nociceptin receptor}} || >10,000 || {{abbr|ND|No data}} || Human || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|-
| [[Sigma-1 receptor|σ<sub>1</sub>]] || >10,000 || Agonist || Guinea pig || <ref name="pmid23527166" /><ref name="pmid24257811">{{cite journal | vauthors = Frohlich J, Van Horn JD | title = Reviewing the ketamine model for schizophrenia | journal = J. Psychopharmacol. (Oxford) | volume = 28 | issue = 4 | pages = 287–302 | year = 2014 | pmid = 24257811 | pmc = 4133098 | doi = 10.1177/0269881113512909 }}</ref>
|-
| '''[[Sigma-2 receptor|σ<sub>2</sub>]]''' || '''136''' || '''Agonist''' || '''Rat''' || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|-
| [[D2 receptor|D<sub>2</sub>]] || >10,000 || {{abbr|ND|No data}} || Human || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|-
| &nbsp;&nbsp;'''[[D2 receptor#Active (D2HighR) and inactive (D2LowR) forms|D<sub>2</sub><sup>High</sup>]]''' || '''2.7–4.3'''<br />'''144 ([[EC50|EC<sub>50</sub>]])''' || '''Partial Agonist''' || '''Rat/human'''<br />'''Human''' || <ref name="pmid18720422">{{cite journal | vauthors = Seeman P, Guan HC | title = Phencyclidine and glutamate agonist LY379268 stimulate dopamine D2High receptors: D2 basis for schizophrenia | journal = Synapse | volume = 62 | issue = 11 | pages = 819–28 | year = 2008 | pmid = 18720422 | doi = 10.1002/syn.20561 | s2cid = 206519749 }}</ref><ref name="pmid12232776">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kapur S, Seeman P | title = NMDA receptor antagonists ketamine and PCP have direct effects on the dopamine D(2) and serotonin 5-HT(2)receptors-implications for models of schizophrenia | journal = Mol. Psychiatry | volume = 7 | issue = 8 | pages = 837–44 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12232776 | doi = 10.1038/sj.mp.4001093 | doi-access = free }}</ref><br /><ref name="pmid19391150">{{cite journal | vauthors = Seeman P, Guan HC, Hirbec H | title = Dopamine D2High receptors stimulated by phencyclidines, lysergic acid diethylamide, salvinorin A, and modafinil | journal = Synapse | volume = 63 | issue = 8 | pages = 698–704 | year = 2009 | pmid = 19391150 | doi = 10.1002/syn.20647 | s2cid = 17758902 }}</ref>
|-
| [[5-HT2A receptor|5-HT<sub>2A</sub>]] || >10,000 || {{abbr|ND|No data}} || Human || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|- 
| &nbsp;&nbsp;[[5-HT2A receptor|5-HT<sub>2A</sub><sup>High</sup>]] || ≥5,000 || Partial
Agonist
| Rat || <ref name="pmid12232776" /><ref name="pmid11343613">{{cite journal | vauthors = Rabin RA, Doat M, Winter JC | title = Role of serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors in the psychotomimetic actions of phencyclidine | journal = Int. J. Neuropsychopharmacol. | volume = 3 | issue = 4 | pages = 333–338 | year = 2000 | article-number = S1461145700002091 | pmid = 11343613 | doi = 10.1017/S1461145700002091 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
|-
| {{abbrlink|SERT|Serotonin transporter}} || 2,234 || Inhibitor || Human || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|-
| {{abbrlink|NET|Norepinephrine transporter}} || >10,000 || Inhibitor || Human || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|-
| {{abbrlink|DAT|Dopamine transporter}} || >10,000 || Inhibitor || Human || <ref name="pmid23527166" />
|-
| '''[[Phencyclidine site 2|{{abbr|PCP|Phencyclidine}}<sub>2</sub>]]''' || '''154''' || agonist || '''Human''' || <ref name="pmid7968938">{{cite journal | vauthors = Rothman RB | title = PCP site 2: a high affinity MK-801-insensitive phencyclidine binding site | journal = Neurotoxicol Teratol | volume = 16 | issue = 4 | pages = 343–53 | year = 1994 | pmid = 7968938 | doi = 10.1016/0892-0362(94)90022-1| bibcode = 1994NTxT...16..343R | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1258623}}</ref>
|-
| [[Serotonin reuptake inhibitor|[<sup>3</sup>H]{{abbr|5-HT|Serotonin}} uptake]] || 1,424 ([[IC50|IC<sub>50</sub>]]) || Inhibitor || Rat || <ref name="pmid8134901">{{cite journal | vauthors = Goodman CB, Thomas DN, Pert A, Emilien B, Cadet JL, Carroll FI, Blough BE, Mascarella SW, Rogawski MA, Subramaniam S | title = RTI-4793-14, a new ligand with high affinity and selectivity for the (+)-MK801-insensitive [3H]1-]1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine binding site (PCP site 2) of guinea pig brain | journal = Synapse | volume = 16 | issue = 1 | pages = 59–65 | year = 1994 | pmid = 8134901 | doi = 10.1002/syn.890160107 | s2cid = 19829696 | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1229378}}</ref>
|-
| [[Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor|[<sup>3</sup>H]{{abbr|NIS|Nisoxetine}} binding]] || 16,628 (IC<sub>50</sub>) || Inhibitor || Rat || <ref name="pmid8134901" />
|-
| '''[[Dopamine reuptake inhibitor|[<sup>3</sup>H]{{abbr|DA|Dopamine}} uptake]]''' || '''347 (IC<sub>50</sub>)''' || '''Inhibitor''' || '''Rat''' || <ref name="pmid8134901" />
|-
| [[Dopamine reuptake inhibitor|[<sup>3</sup>H]{{abbr|CFT|WIN-35428}} binding]] || 1,547 (IC<sub>50</sub>) || Inhibitor || Rat || <ref name="pmid8134901" />
|- class="sortbottom"
| colspan="5" style="width: 1px;" | Values are K<sub>i</sub> (nM). The smaller the value, the more strongly the drug binds to the site.
|}

PCP is well known for its primary action on the [[NMDA receptor]], an [[ionotropic glutamate receptor]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Large CH, Bison S, Sartori I, Read KD, Gozzi A, Quarta D, Antolini M, Hollands E, Gill CH, Gunthorpe MJ, Idris N, Neill JC, Alvaro GS | title = The efficacy of sodium channel blockers to prevent phencyclidine-induced cognitive dysfunction in the rat: potential for novel treatments for schizophrenia | journal = The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | volume = 338 | issue = 1 | pages = 100–113 | date = July 2011 | pmid = 21487071 | doi = 10.1124/jpet.110.178475 | s2cid = 1862326 }}</ref><ref name="pmid19391150" /> As such, PCP is a non-competitive [[NMDA receptor antagonist]]. The role of NMDAR antagonism in the effect of PCP, [[ketamine]], and related dissociative agents was first published in the early 1980s by [[David Lodge (neuroscientist)|David Lodge]]<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors = Anis NA, Berry SC, Burton NR, (([[David Lodge (neuroscientist)|D. Lodge]])) | title = The dissociative anaesthetics, ketamine and phencyclidine, selectively reduce excitation of central mammalian neurones by N-methyl-aspartate | journal = [[British Journal of Pharmacology]] | volume = 79 | issue = 2 | pages = 565–575 | year = 1983 | pmc = 2044888 | pmid = 6317114 | doi=10.1111/j.1476-5381.1983.tb11031.x}}</ref> and colleagues.<ref name="Morris2014">{{cite journal|vauthors=Morris H, Wallach J|year=2014|title=From PCP to MXE: a comprehensive review of the non-medical use of dissociative drugs|journal=Drug Testing and Analysis|volume=6|issue=7–8|pages=614–632|doi=10.1002/dta.1620|pmid=24678061}}</ref> Other NMDA receptor antagonists include [[ketamine]],<ref name=Caddy2010>{{cite journal | vauthors = Caddy C, Giaroli G, White TP, Shergill SS, Tracy DK | title = Ketamine as the prototype glutamatergic antidepressant: pharmacodynamic actions, and a systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy | journal = Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology | volume = 4 | issue = 2 | pages = 75–99 | date = April 2014 | pmid = 24688759 | doi = 10.1177/2045125313507739 | pmc=3952483}}</ref> [[tiletamine]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Klockgether T, Turski L, Schwarz M, Sontag KH, Lehmann J | title = Paradoxical convulsant action of a novel non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, tiletamine | journal = Brain Research | volume = 461 | issue = 2 | pages = 343–8 | date = Oct 1988 | pmid = 2846121 | doi = 10.1016/0006-8993(88)90265-X | s2cid = 41671395 }}</ref> [[dextromethorphan]],<ref name=Burns>{{cite journal | vauthors = Burns JM, Boyer EW | title = Antitussives and substance abuse | journal = Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation | volume = 4 | pages = 75–82 | year = 2013 | pmid = 24648790 | pmc = 3931656 | doi = 10.2147/SAR.S36761 | doi-access = free }}</ref> [[nitrous oxide]], and [[dizocilpine]] (MK-801).

Research also indicates that PCP inhibits [[nicotinic acetylcholine receptor]]s (nAChRs) among other mechanisms. Analogues of PCP exhibit varying potency at nACh receptors<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Aguayo LG, Warnick JE, Maayani S, Glick SD, Weinstein H, Albuquerque EX | title = Site of action of phencyclidine. IV. Interaction of phencyclidine and its analogues on ionic channels of the electrically excitable membrane and nicotinic receptor: implications for behavioral effects | journal = Molecular Pharmacology | volume = 21 | issue = 3 | pages = 637–647 | date = May 1982 | doi = 10.1016/S0026-895X(25)14927-4 | pmid = 6287200 }}</ref> and NMDA receptors.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zarantonello P, Bettini E, Paio A, Simoncelli C, Terreni S, Cardullo F | title = Novel analogues of ketamine and phencyclidine as NMDA receptor antagonists | journal = Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters | volume = 21 | issue = 7 | pages = 2059–63 | date = Apr 2011 | pmid = 21334205 | doi = 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.02.009 }}</ref> Findings demonstrate that presynaptic nAChRs and NMDA receptor interactions influence the postsynaptic maturation of glutamatergic synapses and consequently impact synaptic development and plasticity in the brain.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lin H, Vicini S, Hsu FC, Doshi S, Takano H, Coulter DA, Lynch DR | title = Axonal α7 nicotinic ACh receptors modulate presynaptic NMDA receptor expression and structural plasticity of glutamatergic presynaptic boutons | journal = Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | volume = 107 | issue = 38 | pages = 16661–6 | date = Sep 2010 | pmid = 20817852 | pmc = 2944730 | doi = 10.1073/pnas.1007397107 | bibcode = 2010PNAS..10716661L | doi-access = free }}</ref> These effects can lead to inhibition of excitatory glutamate activity in certain brain regions such as the [[hippocampus]]<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Fisher JL, Dani JA | title = Nicotinic receptors on hippocampal cultures can increase synaptic glutamate currents while decreasing the NMDA-receptor component | journal = Neuropharmacology | volume = 39 | issue = 13 | pages = 2756–69 | date = Oct 2000 | pmid = 11044745 | doi = 10.1016/s0028-3908(00)00102-7 | s2cid = 42066117 }}</ref> and [[cerebellum]]<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Prestori F, Bonardi C, Mapelli L, Lombardo P, Goselink R, De Stefano ME, Gandolfi D, Mapelli J, Bertrand D, Schonewille M, De Zeeuw C, D'Angelo E | title = Gating of long-term potentiation by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the cerebellum input stage | journal = PLOS ONE | volume = 8 | issue = 5 | article-number = e64828 | year = 2013 | pmid = 23741401 | pmc = 3669396 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0064828 | bibcode = 2013PLoSO...864828P | doi-access = free }}</ref> thus potentially leading to memory loss as one of the effects of prolonged use. Acute effects on the [[cerebellum]] manifest as changes in blood pressure, breathing rate, pulse rate, and loss of muscular coordination during intoxication.<ref name=NIH2016Hal/>

PCP, like ketamine, also acts as a potent [[dopamine]] [[D2 receptor|D<sub>2</sub><sup>High</sup> receptor]] [[partial agonist]] in rat brain homogenate<ref name="pmid19391150" /> and has affinity for the human cloned D<sub>2</sub><sup>High</sup> receptor.<ref name="D2 in ketamine and pcp">{{cite journal | vauthors = Seeman P, Ko F, Tallerico T | title = Dopamine receptor contribution to the action of PCP, LSD and ketamine psychotomimetics | journal = Molecular Psychiatry | volume = 10 | issue = 9 | pages = 877–883 | date = September 2005 | pmid = 15852061 | doi = 10.1038/sj.mp.4001682 | doi-access = free }}</ref> This activity may be associated with some of the other more psychotic features of PCP intoxication, which is evidenced by the successful use of D<sub>2</sub> receptor antagonists (such as [[haloperidol]]) in the treatment of PCP psychosis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Giannini AJ, Nageotte C, Loiselle RH, Malone DA, Price WA | title = Comparison of chlorpromazine, haloperidol and pimozide in the treatment of phencyclidine psychosis: DA-2 receptor specificity | journal = Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology | volume = 22 | issue = 6 | pages = 573–9 | year = 1984 | pmid = 6535849 | doi = 10.3109/15563658408992586 }}</ref>

In addition to its well-explored interactions with NMDA receptors, PCP has also been shown to [[dopamine reuptake inhibitor|inhibit dopamine reuptake]], and thereby leads to increased extracellular levels of dopamine and hence increased [[dopaminergic]] [[neurotransmission]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rothman RB, Reid AA, Monn JA, Jacobson AE, Rice KC | title = The psychotomimetic drug phencyclidine labels two high affinity binding sites in guinea pig brain: evidence for N-methyl-D-aspartate-coupled and dopamine reuptake carrier-associated phencyclidine binding sites | journal = Molecular Pharmacology | volume = 36 | issue = 6 | pages = 887–896 | date = December 1989 | doi = 10.1016/S0026-895X(25)09703-2 | pmid = 2557536 }}</ref> However, PCP has little [[affinity (pharmacology)|affinity]] for the human [[monoamine transporter]]s, including the [[dopamine transporter]] (DAT).<ref name="pmid23527166" /> Instead, its [[monoamine reuptake inhibitor|inhibition of monoamine reuptake]] may be mediated by interactions with [[regulatory site|allosteric site]]s on the monoamine transporters.<ref name="pmid23527166" /> PCP is notably a high-affinity [[ligand (biochemistry)|ligand]] of the [[PCP site 2]] (K<sub>i</sub> = 154&nbsp;nM), a not-well-characterized site associated with monoamine reuptake inhibition.<ref name="pmid7968938" />

Studies on rats indicate that PCP interacts indirectly with [[opioid receptor]]s ([[endorphin]] and [[enkephalin]]) to produce analgesia.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Castellani S, Giannini AJ, Adams PM | title = Effects of naloxone, metenkephalin, and morphine on phencyclidine-induced behavior in the rat | journal = Psychopharmacology | volume = 78 | issue = 1 | pages = 76–80 | year = 1982 | pmid = 6815700 | doi = 10.1007/BF00470593 | s2cid = 21996319 }}</ref>

A binding study assessed PCP at 56&nbsp;sites including [[neurotransmitter receptor]]s and [[neurotransmitter transporter|transporter]]s and found that PCP had K<sub>i</sub> values of >10,000&nbsp;nM at all sites except the [[dizocilpine]] (MK-801) site of the NMDA receptor (K<sub>i</sub> = 59&nbsp;nM), the [[sigma-2 receptor|σ<sub>2</sub> receptor]] ([[PC12 cell line|PC12]]) (K<sub>i</sub> = 136&nbsp;nM), and the [[serotonin transporter]] (K<sub>i</sub> = 2,234&nbsp;nM).<ref name="pmid23527166" /> The study notably found K<sub>i</sub> values of >10,000&nbsp;nM for the [[D2 receptor|D<sub>2</sub> receptor]], the [[opioid receptor]]s, the [[sigma-1 receptor|σ<sub>1</sub> receptor]], and the [[dopamine transporter|dopamine]] and [[norepinephrine transporter]]s.<ref name="pmid23527166" /> These results suggest that PCP is a highly selective ligand of the NMDAR and σ<sub>2</sub> receptor.<ref name="pmid23527166" /> However, PCP may also interact with allosteric sites on the monoamine transporters to produce inhibition of monoamine reuptake.<ref name="pmid23527166" />

===Mechanism of action===
Phencyclidine is a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks the activity of the NMDA receptor to cause anaesthesia and analgesia without causing cardiorespiratory depression.<ref name=drugbank>{{cite web |title=Phencyclidine |url=https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB03575 |website=www.drugbank.ca |access-date=28 January 2019}}</ref><ref name=beyT>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bey T, Patel A | title = Phencyclidine intoxication and adverse effects: a clinical and pharmacological review of an illicit drug | journal = The California Journal of Emergency Medicine | volume = 8 | issue = 1 | pages = 9–14 | date = February 2007 | pmid = 20440387 | pmc = 2859735 }}</ref> NMDA is an excitatory receptor in the brain, when activated normally the receptor acts as an ion channel and there is an influx of positive ions through the channel to cause nerve cell depolarisation. Phencyclidine inhibits the NMDA receptor by binding to the specific PCP binding site located within the ion channel.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Martin D, Lodge D | title = Phencyclidine receptors and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonism: electrophysiologic data correlates with known behaviours | journal = Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior | volume = 31 | issue = 2 | pages = 279–286 | date = October 1988 | pmid = 2854262 | doi = 10.1016/0091-3057(88)90346-2 | s2cid = 12247783 }}</ref> The PCP binding site is near the magnesium blocking site, which may explain the similar inhibitory effects.<ref name="Kohrs_1998">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kohrs R, Durieux ME | title = Ketamine: teaching an old drug new tricks | journal = Anesthesia and Analgesia | volume = 87 | issue = 5 | pages = 1186–1193 | date = November 1998 | pmid = 9806706 | doi = 10.1097/00000539-199811000-00039 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Binding at the PCP site is mediated by two non-covalent interactions within the receptor: hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kroemer RT, Koutsilieri E, Hecht P, Liedl KR, Riederer P, Kornhuber J | title = Quantitative analysis of the structural requirements for blockade of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor at the phencyclidine binding site | journal = Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 41 | issue = 3 | pages = 393–400 | date = January 1998 | pmid = 9464369 | doi = 10.1021/jm9704412 }}</ref> Binding is also controlled by the gating mechanism of the ion channel. Because the PCP site is located within the ion channel, a coagonist such as glycine must bind and open the channel for PCP to enter, bind to the PCP site, and block the channel.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Nadler V, Kloog Y, Sokolovsky M | title = Distinctive structural requirement for the binding of uncompetitive blockers (phencyclidine-like drugs) to the NMDA receptor | journal = European Journal of Pharmacology | volume = 188 | issue = 2–3 | pages = 97–104 | date = March 1990 | pmid = 2156715 | doi = 10.1016/0922-4106(90)90044-X }}</ref>

====Neurotoxicity====
Some studies found that, like other NMDA receptor antagonists, PCP can cause a kind of [[brain damage]] called [[Olney's lesions]] in rats.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Olney JW, Labruyere J, Price MT |title=Pathological changes induced in cerebrocortical neurons by phencyclidine and related drugs |journal=Science |volume=244 |issue=4910 |pages=1360–1362 |date=June 1989 |pmid=2660263 |doi=10.1126/science.2660263 |bibcode=1989Sci...244.1360O}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |vauthors=Hargreaves RJ, Hill RG, Iversen LL |chapter=Neuroprotective NMDA Antagonists: The Controversy over Their Potential for Adverse Effects on Cortical Neuronal Morphology |title=Brain Edema IX |series=Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplementum |volume=60 |pages=15–19 |year=1994 |pmid=7976530 |isbn=978-3-7091-9336-5 |doi=10.1007/978-3-7091-9334-1_4}}</ref> Studies conducted on rats showed that high doses of the NMDA receptor antagonist [[dizocilpine]] caused reversible [[vacuole]]s to form in certain regions of the rats' brains. All studies of Olney's lesions have only been performed on non-human animals and may not apply to humans. One unpublished study by Frank Sharp reportedly showed no damage by the NMDA antagonist ketamine, a structurally similar drug, far beyond recreational doses,<ref>Jansen, Karl. ''Ketamine: Dreams and Realities''. MAPS, 2004. {{ISBN|0-9660019-7-4}}</ref> but due to the study never having been published, its validity is controversial.

PCP has also been shown to cause schizophrenia-like changes in ''N''-acetylaspartate and ''N''-acetylaspartylglutamate levels in the rat brain, which are detectable both in living rats and upon necropsy examination of brain tissue.<ref name=psychotic_PCP_rats>{{cite journal |vauthors=Reynolds LM, Cochran SM, Morris BJ, Pratt JA, Reynolds GP |title=Chronic phencyclidine administration induces schizophrenia-like changes in N-acetylaspartate and N-acetylaspartylglutamate in rat brain |journal=Schizophrenia Research |volume=73 |issue=2–3 |pages=147–152 |date=March 2005 |pmid=15653257 |doi=10.1016/j.schres.2004.02.003 |s2cid=1651693}}</ref> It also induces symptoms in humans that mimic schizophrenia.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Murray JB |title=Phencyclidine (PCP): a dangerous drug, but useful in schizophrenia research |journal=The Journal of Psychology |volume=136 |issue=3 |pages=319–327 |date=May 2002 |pmid=12206280 |doi=10.1080/00223980209604159 |s2cid=20334137}}</ref> PCP not only produced symptoms similar to schizophrenia, it also yielded [[electroencephalogram]] changes in the thalamocortical pathway (increased delta decreased alpha) and in the hippocampus (increase theta bursts) that were similar to those in schizophrenia.<ref name="Lodge_2015">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lodge D, Mercier MS |title=Ketamine and phencyclidine: the good, the bad and the unexpected |journal=British Journal of Pharmacology |volume=172 |issue=17 |pages=4254–4276 |date=September 2015 |pmid=26075331 |pmc=4556466 |doi=10.1111/bph.13222}}</ref> PCP-induced augmentation of dopamine release may link the NMDA and [[dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia|dopamine]] hypotheses of schizophrenia.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Javitt DC, Zukin SR, Heresco-Levy U, Umbricht D |title=Has an angel shown the way? Etiological and therapeutic implications of the PCP/NMDA model of schizophrenia |journal=Schizophrenia Bulletin |volume=38 |issue=5 |pages=958–966 |date=September 2012 |pmid=22987851 |pmc=3446214 |doi=10.1093/schbul/sbs069}}</ref>

===Pharmacokinetics===
[[File:PCP2PCandPOPERIDINE.png|class=skin-invert-image|thumb|Conversion of PCP into PC and piperidine by heat]]
PCP is both water- and lipid-soluble and is therefore distributed throughout the body quickly.<ref name="Kohrs_1998" /> PCP is metabolized into [[PCHP]], [[4-Phenyl-4-(1-piperidinyl)cyclohexanol|PPC]] and [[5-((1-Phenylcyclohexyl)amino)pentanoic acid|PCAA]]. The drug is metabolized 90% by [[oxidation|oxidative]] [[hydroxylation]] in the [[liver]] during the [[first-pass effect|first pass]]. [[Metabolite]]s are [[glucuronidated]] and [[excretion|excreted]] in the [[urine]]. Nine percent of ingested PCP is excreted in its unchanged form.<ref name=beyT />

When smoked, some of the compound is broken down by heat into [[1-phenyl-1-cyclohexene|1-phenylcyclohexene]] (PC) and [[piperidine]].

The time taken before the effects of PCP manifest is dependent on the route of administration. The onset of action for inhalation occurs in 2–5 minutes, whereas the effects may take 15 to 60 minutes when ingested orally.<ref name=beyT />

==Chemistry==
PCP is an [[arylcyclohexylamine]].

===Analogues===
[[File:ACHA SAR.png|class=skin-invert-image|210px|right|thumbnail|Possible analogues of PCP]]
Fewer than 30 different [[structural analog|analogs]] of PCP were reported as being used as a [[street drug]] during the 1970s and 1980s, mainly in the United States.<ref name="Morris2014" /> Only a few of these compounds were widely used, including [[rolicyclidine]] (PCPy), [[eticyclidine]] (PCE), and [[tenocyclidine]] (TCP).<ref name="Morris2014" /> Less common analogs include [[3-HO-PCP]], [[3-MeO-PCMo]], and [[3-MeO-PCP]].

The generalized structural motif required for PCP-like activity is derived from structure-activity relationship studies of PCP derivatives. All of these derivatives are likely to share some of their psychoactive effects with PCP itself, although a range of potencies and varying mixtures of anesthetic, dissociative, and stimulant effects are known, depending on the particular drug and its substituents. In the United States, all of these compounds would be considered controlled substance analogs of PCP under the [[Federal Analog Act]] and are hence illegal drugs if sold for human consumption.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Itzhak Y, Kalir A, Weissman BA, Cohen S | title = New analgesic drugs derived from phencyclidine | journal = Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 24 | issue = 5 | pages = 496–9 | date = May 1981 | pmid = 7241506 | doi = 10.1021/jm00137a004 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Chaudieu I, Vignon J, Chicheportiche M, Kamenka JM, Trouiller G, Chicheportiche R | title = Role of the aromatic group in the inhibition of phencyclidine binding and dopamine uptake by PCP analogs | journal = Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior | volume = 32 | issue = 3 | pages = 699–705 | date = Mar 1989 | pmid = 2544905 | doi = 10.1016/0091-3057(89)90020-8 | s2cid = 7672918 }}</ref>

==History==
Phencyclidine was initially discovered in 1926 by {{ill|Arthur Kötz|de}} and his student Paul Merkel as a product of a [[Grignard reaction]] of 1-piperidinocyclohexancarbonitrile.<ref name="Kötz_1926">{{cite journal | vauthors=Kötz A, Merkel P |date=May 1926 |title=Zur Kenntnis hydroaromatischer Alkamine |journal=Journal für Praktische Chemie |language=de |volume=113 |issue=1 |pages=49–76 |doi=10.1002/prac.19261130107 |issn=0021-8383}}</ref>

It was again synthesized in 1956 by chemist H Victor Maddox and brought to market as an [[anesthetic]] medication by pharmaceutical company Parke-Davis, now a subsidiary of [[Pfizer]].<ref name="Lodge_2015" /><ref name="Zed2007" /><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tX7nCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA717|title=Neuropsychopharmacology: Proceedings of the XVIth C.I.N.P. Congress, Munich, August, 15-19, 1988|vauthors=Bunney Jr WE, Hippius H, Laakmann G, Schmauß M|date=2012|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |isbn=978-3-642-74034-3 |page=717 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name="Kötz_1926" /><ref name="Lindgren 1983 61–73">{{cite book|vauthors=Lindgren JE, Holmstedt B|title=Toxicology in the Use, Misuse, and Abuse of Food, Drugs, and Chemicals |series= Archives of Toxicology | publisher=Springer Berlin Heidelberg| year= 1983 |isbn= 978-3-540-12392-7|volume=6|location=Berlin, Heidelberg|pages=61–73| chapter= Guide to the Analysis of Phencyclidine and its Metabolites in Biological Material| doi= 10.1007/978-3-642-69083-9_10|issn=0171-9750|pmid=6578750}}</ref> Its use in humans was disallowed in the US in 1965 due to the high rates of [[side effects]], while its use in animals was disallowed in 1978.<ref name="Jus2003" /><ref name= "Zed2007" /><ref name="Tas2015">{{cite book| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=l2KRBgAAQBAJ&pg=PT4843 |title= Psychiatry, 2 Volume Set|vauthors=Tasman A, Kay J, Lieberman JA, First MB, Riba M |year= 2015| publisher= John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-1-118-75336-1 |page=4943 | via= Google Books}}</ref> Moreover, [[ketamine]] was discovered and was better tolerated as an anesthetic.<ref name="Tas2015" />

PCP is classified as a [[schedule II drug]] in the US.<ref name= "Jus2003" /> Derivatives of PCP have been sold for recreational and non-medical use.<ref name= "Morris2014" />

==Society and culture==

===Regulation===
PCP is a [[Controlled Substances Act#Schedule II controlled substances|Schedule II]] substance in the US. The [[Administrative Controlled Substances Code Number]] (ACSCN) for PCP is 7471.<ref>{{cite web | publisher= Drug Enforcement Administration | location= US| website= deadiversion.usdoj.gov |date=March 12, 2014 |url= http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/d_cs_drugcode.pdf |title= Controlled Substances |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=2014-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417100237/http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/d_cs_drugcode.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> Its manufacturing quota for 2014 was {{convert|19|g}}.<ref>{{cite web | website= deadiversion.usdoj.gov| publisher= Drug Enforcement Administration |date=August 30, 2013 | location= US |url= http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/quotas/2013/fr0909.htm |title= Established Aggregate Production Quotas for Schedule I and II Controlled Substances and Established Assessment of Annual Needs for the List I Chemicals Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine for 2014 |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=2014-04-17 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140417130426/http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/quotas/2013/fr0909.htm}}</ref> It is a Schedule I drug by the Controlled Drugs and Substances act in Canada, a List I drug of the [[Opium Law]] in the [[Netherlands]], and a [[Misuse of Drugs Act 1971|Class A]] substance in the UK.<ref>{{cite web| title= The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Modification) Order 1979 |website= legislation.gov.uk |url= http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1979/299/article/2/made#text%253DPhencyclidine |access-date=2016-01-31}}</ref>

===Frequency of use===
PCP began to emerge as a [[recreational drug]] in major cities in the US in the 1960s.<ref name=Bush2013/> In 1978, ''[[People (American magazine)|People]]'' magazine and [[Mike Wallace]] of the TV news program ''[[60 Minutes]]'' called PCP the country's "number one drug problem". Although recreational use of the drug had always been relatively low, it began declining significantly in the 1980s. In surveys, the number of [[High school (North America)|high school]] students admitting to trying PCP at least once fell from 13% in 1979 to less than 3% in 1990.<ref name=Inciardi>{{cite book | vauthors = Inciardi JA |title = The War on Drugs II|publisher = Mayfield Publishing Company |year = 1992 |isbn = 978-1-55934-016-8}}</ref>{{rp|46–49}}

===Cultural depictions===
[[Jean-Michel Basquiat]] depicted two angel dust users in his 1982 painting ''[[Dustheads]]''.<ref>{{cite news | vauthors = Nag A |date=April 11, 2013 |title= Christie's Evening Auction to present a major painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat |work= The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/christies-evening-auction-to-present-a-major-painting-by-jean-michel-basquiat/articleshow/19496301.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2020-09-26}}</ref>

[[Tsukasa Hojo]]'s 1985 [[manga]] ''[[City Hunter]]'' features a drug, Angel Dust, presumably a reference to PCP's street name. The related 2023 animated film, ''[[City Hunter: Angel Dust]]'', more directly moved the franchise's angel dust into the realm of fantasy, as it is portrayed as a science fiction [[nanomachine]] serum developed by a [[biotech]] company to create super-soldiers with a tendency to drive them berserk, side-stepping the real-life PCP.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-06-28 |title=New City Hunter Anime Film's Trailer Unveils More Cast, Theme Songs, September 8 Debut |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-06-13/new-city-hunter-anime-film-trailer-unveils-more-cast-theme-songs-september-8-debut/.199110 |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=Anime News Network}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Scholia|}}
{{Commons category|Phencyclidine}}
* [http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/pcp/pcp.shtml Erowid.org – PCP Information]
* [http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/PCP.html National Institute of Drug Abuse InfoFacts: PCP (Phencyclidine)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106220052/http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugpages/pcp.html |date=2012-01-06 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080514004144/http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/PEOPLE/INJURY/research/job185drugs/phencyclidine.htm Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets on Phencyclidine]
* [http://www.timothywyllie.com/PCP.htm Phencyclidine and Ketamine: A View From the Street-1981 article on the use and effects of PCP]; {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121194233/http://www.timothywyllie.com/PCP.htm |date=2019-01-21 }}
* {{cite web | url = https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/phencyclidine | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210507012200/https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/Phencyclidine | archive-date = May 7, 2021 | publisher = U.S. National Library of Medicine | work = Drug Information Portal | title = Phencyclidine }}

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