51
|
Sajid S, Galfalvy HC, Keilp JG, Burke AK, Mann JJ, Grunebaum MF. Acute Dissociation and Ketamine's Antidepressant and Anti-Suicidal Ideation Effects in a Midazolam-Controlled Trial. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 27:pyae017. [PMID: 38573154 PMCID: PMC11053360 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to explore relationships of acute dissociative effects of intravenous ketamine with change in depression and suicidal ideation and with plasma metabolite levels in a randomized, midazolam-controlled trial. METHODS Data from a completed trial in suicidal, depressed participants (n = 40) randomly assigned to ketamine was used to examine relationships between ketamine treatment-emergent dissociative and psychotomimetic symptoms with pre/post-infusion changes in suicidal ideation and depression severity. Nonparametric correlational statistics were used. These methods were also used to explore associations between dissociative or psychotomimetic symptoms and blood levels of ketamine and metabolites in a subset of participants (n = 28) who provided blood samples immediately post-infusion. RESULTS Neither acute dissociative nor psychotomimetic effects of ketamine were associated with changes in suicidal ideation or depressive symptoms from pre- to post-infusion. Norketamine had a trend-level, moderate inverse correlation with dissociative symptoms on Day 1 post-injection (P = .064; P =.013 removing 1 outlier). Dehydronorketamine correlated with Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale scores at 40 minutes (P = .034), 230 minutes (P = .014), and Day 1 (P = .012). CONCLUSION We did not find evidence that ketamine's acute, transient dissociative, or psychotomimetic effects are associated with its antidepressant or anti-suicidal ideation actions. The correlation of higher plasma norketamine with lower dissociative symptoms on Day 1 post-treatment suggests dissociation may be more an effect of the parent drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumra Sajid
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hanga C Galfalvy
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - John G Keilp
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ainsley K Burke
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - J John Mann
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael F Grunebaum
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Sinha JK, Trisal A, Ghosh S, Gupta S, Singh KK, Han SS, Mahapatra M, Abomughaid MM, Abomughayedh AM, Almutary AG, Iqbal D, Bhaskar R, Mishra PC, Jha SK, Jha NK, Singh AK. Psychedelics for alzheimer's disease-related dementia: Unveiling therapeutic possibilities and pathways. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102211. [PMID: 38307424 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Psychedelics have traditionally been used for spiritual and recreational purposes, but recent developments in psychotherapy have highlighted their potential as therapeutic agents. These compounds, which act as potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) agonists, have been recognized for their ability to enhance neural plasticity through the activation of the serotoninergic and glutamatergic systems. However, the implications of these findings for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly dementia, have not been fully explored. In recent years, studies have revealed the modulatory and beneficial effects of psychedelics in the context of dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related dementia, which lacks a definitive cure. Psychedelics such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and Psilocybin have shown potential in mitigating the effects of this debilitating disease. These compounds not only target neurotransmitter imbalances but also act at the molecular level to modulate signalling pathways in AD, including the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signalling pathway and the subsequent activation of mammalian target of rapamycin and other autophagy regulators. Therefore, the controlled and dose-dependent administration of psychedelics represents a novel therapeutic intervention worth exploring and considering for the development of drugs for the treatment of AD-related dementia. In this article, we critically examined the literature that sheds light on the therapeutic possibilities and pathways of psychedelics for AD-related dementia. While this emerging field of research holds great promise, further studies are necessary to elucidate the long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment protocols. Ultimately, the integration of psychedelics into the current treatment paradigm may provide a transformative approach for addressing the unmet needs of individuals living with AD-related dementia and their caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anchal Trisal
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Shampa Ghosh
- GloNeuro, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida 201301, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Krishna Kumar Singh
- Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology (SCIT), Rajiv Gandhi InfoTech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411057, India
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, the Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, the Republic of Korea
| | | | - Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Abomughayedh
- Pharmacy Department, Aseer Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajeed G Almutary
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Health Information Management, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Buraydah Private Colleges, Buraydah 51418, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rakesh Bhaskar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, the Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Prabhu Chandra Mishra
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Zoology, Kalindi College, University of Delhi, 110008, India.
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India.
| | - Abhishek Kumar Singh
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Juliani A, Safron A, Kanai R. Deep CANALs: a deep learning approach to refining the canalization theory of psychopathology. Neurosci Conscious 2024; 2024:niae005. [PMID: 38533457 PMCID: PMC10965250 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychedelic therapy has seen a resurgence of interest in the last decade, with promising clinical outcomes for the treatment of a variety of psychopathologies. In response to this success, several theoretical models have been proposed to account for the positive therapeutic effects of psychedelics. One of the more prominent models is "RElaxed Beliefs Under pSychedelics," which proposes that psychedelics act therapeutically by relaxing the strength of maladaptive high-level beliefs encoded in the brain. The more recent "CANAL" model of psychopathology builds on the explanatory framework of RElaxed Beliefs Under pSychedelics by proposing that canalization (the development of overly rigid belief landscapes) may be a primary factor in psychopathology. Here, we make use of learning theory in deep neural networks to develop a series of refinements to the original CANAL model. Our primary theoretical contribution is to disambiguate two separate optimization landscapes underlying belief representation in the brain and describe the unique pathologies which can arise from the canalization of each. Along each dimension, we identify pathologies of either too much or too little canalization, implying that the construct of canalization does not have a simple linear correlation with the presentation of psychopathology. In this expanded paradigm, we demonstrate the ability to make novel predictions regarding what aspects of psychopathology may be amenable to psychedelic therapy, as well as what forms of psychedelic therapy may ultimately be most beneficial for a given individual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Juliani
- Microsoft Research , Microsoft, 300 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, USA
| | - Adam Safron
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ryota Kanai
- Neurotechnology R & D Unit, Araya Inc, 6F Sanpo Sakuma Building, 1-11 Kandasakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0025, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Alonso M, Petit AC, Lledo PM. The impact of adult neurogenesis on affective functions: of mice and men. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02504-w. [PMID: 38499657 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02504-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
In most mammals, new neurons are not only produced during embryogenesis but also after birth. Soon after adult neurogenesis was discovered, the influence of recruiting new neurons on cognitive functions, especially on memory, was documented. Likewise, the late process of neuronal production also contributes to affective functions, but this outcome was recognized with more difficulty. This review covers hypes and hopes of discovering the influence of newly-generated neurons on brain circuits devoted to affective functions. If the possibility of integrating new neurons into the adult brain is a commonly accepted faculty in the realm of mammals, the reluctance is strong when it comes to translating this concept to humans. Compiling data suggest now that new neurons are derived not only from stem cells, but also from a population of neuroblasts displaying a protracted maturation and ready to be engaged in adult brain circuits, under specific signals. Here, we discuss the significance of recruiting new neurons in the adult brain circuits, specifically in the context of affective outcomes. We also discuss the fact that adult neurogenesis could be the ultimate cellular process that integrates elements from both the internal and external environment to adjust brain functions. While we must be critical and beware of the unreal promises that Science could generate sometimes, it is important to continue exploring the potential of neural recruitment in adult primates. Reporting adult neurogenesis in humankind contributes to a new vision of humans as mammals whose brain continues to develop throughout life. This peculiar faculty could one day become the target of treatment for mental health, cognitive disorders, and elderly-associated diseases. The vision of an adult brain which never stops integrating new neurons is a real game changer for designing new therapeutic interventions to treat mental disorders associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and social costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Alonso
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, Perception and Action Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Petit
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, Perception and Action Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire Psychiatrie Paris 15, GHU Paris Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Marie Lledo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, Perception and Action Unit, F-75015, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Viña SM. Diminished psychedelic returns on distress: Marital status and household size. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293675. [PMID: 38451885 PMCID: PMC10919602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the use of psychedelics to impact health has seen growth, little research has tested the effects of culture conditions on the relationship. More specifically, how does marital status and family size affect the relationship between psychedelics and health? This study tests the relationship between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use (LCPU), marital status, and household size (number of people living in a household) on levels of psychological distress in the past 30 days. This project uses pooled data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2010 to 2018) (N = 674,521). The Final sample size is determined by the dependent variable, psychological distress in the past month (n = 158,633). The analysis includes a series of nested logistic regression models conducted in Stata 17. Results indicate that LCPU is independently associated with better health, but the association between LCPU and health varies across levels of household size. Larger households are associated with higher levels of distress, which are then exacerbated among psychedelics users. Furthermore, three-way interactions reveal that the negative association between household size and distress gets larger among psychedelic users who are married, divorced, and widowed. Overall, results suggest that household size negatively impacts the association between LCPU and health, with those who are married, divorced, and widowed experiencing the worst outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Viña
- Department of Sociology, The University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Barksdale BR, Doss MK, Fonzo GA, Nemeroff CB. The mechanistic divide in psychedelic neuroscience: An unbridgeable gap? Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00322. [PMID: 38278658 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, psychedelics have generated considerable excitement and interest as potential novel therapeutics for an array of conditions, with the most advanced evidence base in the treatment of certain severe and/or treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. An array of clinical and pre-clinical evidence has informed our current understanding of how psychedelics produce profound alterations in consciousness. Mechanisms of psychedelic action include receptor binding and downstream cellular and transcriptional pathways, with long-term impacts on brain structure and function-from the level of single neurons to large-scale circuits. In this perspective, we first briefly review and synthesize separate lines of research on potential mechanistic processes underlying the acute and long-term effects of psychedelic compounds, with a particular emphasis on highlighting current theoretical models of psychedelic drug action and their relationships to therapeutic benefits for psychiatric and brain-based disorders. We then highlight an existing area of ongoing controversy we argue is directly informed by theoretical models originating from disparate levels of inquiry, and we ultimately converge on the notion that bridging the current chasm in explanatory models of psychedelic drug action across levels of inquiry (molecular, cellular, circuit, and psychological/behavioral) through innovative methods and collaborative efforts will ultimately yield the comprehensive understanding needed to fully capitalize on the potential therapeutic properties of these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan R Barksdale
- Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Manoj K Doss
- Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Gregory A Fonzo
- Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Allen J, Dames SS, Foldi CJ, Shultz SR. Psychedelics for acquired brain injury: a review of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:671-685. [PMID: 38177350 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02360-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Acquired brain injury (ABI), such as traumatic brain injury and stroke, is a leading cause of disability worldwide, resulting in debilitating acute and chronic symptoms, as well as an increased risk of developing neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. These symptoms can stem from various neurophysiological insults, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, imbalances in neurotransmission, and impaired neuroplasticity. Despite advancements in medical technology and treatment interventions, managing ABI remains a significant challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelics may rapidly improve neurobehavioral outcomes in patients with various disorders that share physiological similarities with ABI. However, research specifically focussed on psychedelics for ABI is limited. This narrative literature review explores the neurochemical properties of psychedelics as a therapeutic intervention for ABI, with a focus on serotonin receptors, sigma-1 receptors, and neurotrophic signalling associated with neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neuroinflammation. The promotion of neuronal growth, cell survival, and anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by psychedelics strongly supports their potential benefit in managing ABI. Further research and translational efforts are required to elucidate their therapeutic mechanisms of action and to evaluate their effectiveness in treating the acute and chronic phases of ABI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josh Allen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shannon S Dames
- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Post-Graduate Program, Health Sciences and Human Services, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Claire J Foldi
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Centre for Trauma and Mental Health Research, Health Sciences and Human Services, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Yao H, Wang X, Chi J, Chen H, Liu Y, Yang J, Yu J, Ruan Y, Xiang X, Pi J, Xu JF. Exploring Novel Antidepressants Targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Key Membrane Receptors Based on Molecular Structures. Molecules 2024; 29:964. [PMID: 38474476 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29050964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a complex mental disorder that involves alterations in signal transmission across multiple scales and structural abnormalities. The development of effective antidepressants (ADs) has been hindered by the dominance of monoamine hypothesis, resulting in slow progress. Traditional ADs have undesirable traits like delayed onset of action, limited efficacy, and severe side effects. Recently, two categories of fast-acting antidepressant compounds have surfaced, dissociative anesthetics S-ketamine and its metabolites, as well as psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This has led to structural research and drug development of the receptors that they target. This review provides breakthroughs and achievements in the structure of depression-related receptors and novel ADs based on these. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has enabled researchers to identify the structures of membrane receptors, including the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptor. These high-resolution structures can be used for the development of novel ADs using virtual drug screening (VDS). Moreover, the unique antidepressant effects of 5-HT1A receptors in various brain regions, and the pivotal roles of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) and tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (TrkB) in regulating synaptic plasticity, emphasize their potential as therapeutic targets. Using structural information, a series of highly selective ADs were designed based on the different role of receptors in MDD. These molecules have the favorable characteristics of rapid onset and low adverse drug reactions. This review offers researchers guidance and a methodological framework for the structure-based design of ADs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanbo Yao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Jiaxin Chi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Haorong Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Jiayi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Jiaqi Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yongdui Ruan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Xufu Xiang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jiang Pi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Jun-Fa Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Bhatt KV, Weissman CR. The effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior: a proposed mechanism for enduring antidepressant effects. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:7. [PMID: 38609500 PMCID: PMC10955966 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-023-00053-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic shown to have enduring antidepressant effects. Currently, the mechanism for its enduring effects is not well understood. Empathy and prosocial behavior may be important for understanding the therapeutic benefit of psilocybin. In this article we review the effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior. Moreover, we propose that psilocybin may induce a positive feedback loop involving empathy and prosocial behavior which helps explain the observed, enduring antidepressant effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kush V Bhatt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cory R Weissman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Shahar O, Botvinnik A, Shwartz A, Lerer E, Golding P, Buko A, Hamid E, Kahn D, Guralnick M, Blakolmer K, Wolf G, Lotan A, Lerer L, Lerer B, Lifschytz T. Effect of chemically synthesized psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract on molecular and metabolic profiles in mouse brain. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02477-w. [PMID: 38378926 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02477-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring, tryptamine alkaloid prodrug, is currently being investigated for the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders. Preclinical reports suggest that the biological effects of psilocybin-containing mushroom extract or "full spectrum" (psychedelic) mushroom extract (PME), may differ from those of chemically synthesized psilocybin (PSIL). We compared the effects of PME to those of PSIL on the head twitch response (HTR), neuroplasticity-related synaptic proteins and frontal cortex metabolomic profiles in male C57Bl/6j mice. HTR measurement showed similar effects of PSIL and PME over 20 min. Brain specimens (frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, striatum) were assayed for the synaptic proteins, GAP43, PSD95, synaptophysin and SV2A, using western blots. These proteins may serve as indicators of synaptic plasticity. Three days after treatment, there was minimal increase in synaptic proteins. After 11 days, PSIL and PME significantly increased GAP43 in the frontal cortex (p = 0.019; p = 0.039 respectively) and hippocampus (p = 0.015; p = 0.027) and synaptophysin in the hippocampus (p = 0.041; p = 0.05) and amygdala (p = 0.035; p = 0.004). PSIL increased SV2A in the amygdala (p = 0.036) and PME did so in the hippocampus (p = 0.014). In the striatum, synaptophysin was increased by PME only (p = 0.023). There were no significant effects of PSIL or PME on PSD95 in any brain area when these were analyzed separately. Nested analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant increase in each of the 4 proteins over all brain areas for PME versus vehicle control, while significant PSIL effects were observed only in the hippocampus and amygdala and were limited to PSD95 and SV2A. Metabolomic analyses of the pre-frontal cortex were performed by untargeted polar metabolomics utilizing capillary electrophoresis - Fourier transform mass spectrometry (CE-FTMS) and showed a differential metabolic separation between PME and vehicle groups. The purines guanosine, hypoxanthine and inosine, associated with oxidative stress and energy production pathways, showed a progressive decline from VEH to PSIL to PME. In conclusion, our synaptic protein findings suggest that PME has a more potent and prolonged effect on synaptic plasticity than PSIL. Our metabolomics data support a gradient of effects from inert vehicle via chemical psilocybin to PME further supporting differential effects. Further studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings and to identify the molecules that may be responsible for the enhanced effects of PME as compared to psilocybin alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orr Shahar
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexander Botvinnik
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amit Shwartz
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elad Lerer
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Israel Institute for Biology, Nes Ziona, Israel
| | - Peretz Golding
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alex Buko
- Human Metabolome Technologies, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ethan Hamid
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dani Kahn
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Miles Guralnick
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Gilly Wolf
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Achva Academic College, Beer Tuvia, Israel
| | - Amit Lotan
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Leonard Lerer
- Parow Entheobiosciences (ParowBio), Chicago, IL, USA
- Back of the Yards Algae Sciences (BYAS), Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bernard Lerer
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Tzuri Lifschytz
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Funk D, Araujo J, Slassi M, Lanthier J, Atkinson J, Feng D, Lau W, Lê A, Higgins GA. Effect of a single psilocybin treatment on Fos protein expression in male rat brain. Neuroscience 2024; 539:1-11. [PMID: 38184069 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Psilocybin has received attention as a treatment for depression, stress disorders and drug and alcohol addiction. To help determine the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects, here we examined acute effects of a range of behaviourally relevant psilocybin doses (0.1-3 mg/kg SC) on regional expression of Fos, the protein product of the immediate early gene, c-fos in brain areas involved in stress, reward and motivation in male rats. We also determined the cellular phenotypes activated by psilocybin, in a co-labeling analysis with NeuN, a marker of mature neurons, or Olig1, a marker of oligodendrocytes. In adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, psilocybin increased Fos expression dose dependently in several brain regions, including the frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, central and basolateral amygdala and locus coeruleus. These effects were most marked in the central amygdala. Double labeling experiments showed that Fos was expressed in both neurons and oligodendrocytes. These results extend previous research by determining Fos expression in multiple brain areas at a wider psilocybin dose range, and the cellular phenotypes expressing Fos. The data also highlight the amygdala, especially the central nucleus, a key brain region involved in emotional processing and learning and interconnected with other brain areas involved in stress, reward and addiction, as a potentially important locus for the therapeutic effects of psilocybin. Overall, the present findings suggest that the central amygdala may be an important site through which the initial brain activation induced by psilocybin is translated into neuroplastic changes, locally and in other regions that underlie its extended therapeutic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Funk
- Campbell Family Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5S 2S1, Canada.
| | - Joseph Araujo
- Transpharmation Ltd., Fergus N1M 2W8, Canada; Mindset Pharma, Toronto M5V 0R2, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Feng
- Transpharmation Ltd., Fergus N1M 2W8, Canada
| | - Winnie Lau
- Transpharmation Ltd., Fergus N1M 2W8, Canada
| | - Anh Lê
- Campbell Family Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5S 2S1, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Guy A Higgins
- Transpharmation Ltd., Fergus N1M 2W8, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 1A8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Silverstein BH, Kolbman N, Nelson A, Liu T, Guzzo P, Gilligan J, Lee U, Mashour GA, Vanini G, Pal D. Psilocybin induces dose-dependent changes in functional network organization in rat cortex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579718. [PMID: 38405722 PMCID: PMC10888735 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Psilocybin produces an altered state of consciousness in humans and is associated with complex spatiotemporal changes in brain networks. Given the emphasis on rodent models for mechanistic studies, there is a need for characterization of the effect of psilocybin on brain-wide network dynamics. Previous rodent studies of psychedelics, using electroencephalogram, have primarily been done with sparse electrode arrays that offered limited spatial resolution precluding network level analysis, and have been restricted to lower gamma frequencies. Therefore, in the study, we used electroencephalographic recordings from 27 sites (electrodes) across rat cortex (n=6 male, 6 female) to characterize the effect of psilocybin (0.1 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg delivered over an hour) on network organization as inferred through changes in node degree (index of network density) and connection strength (weighted phase-lag index). The removal of aperiodic component from the electroencephalogram localized the primary oscillatory changes to theta (4-10 Hz), medium gamma (70-110 Hz), and high gamma (110-150 Hz) bands, which were used for the network analysis. Additionally, we determined the concurrent changes in theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling. We report that psilocybin, in a dose-dependent manner, 1) disrupted theta-gamma coupling [p<0.05], 2) increased frontal high gamma connectivity [p<0.05] and posterior theta connectivity [p≤0.049], and 3) increased frontal high gamma [p<0.05] and posterior theta [p≤0.046] network density. The medium gamma frontoparietal connectivity showed a nonlinear relationship with psilocybin dose. Our results suggest that high-frequency network organization, decoupled from local theta-phase, may be an important signature of psilocybin-induced non-ordinary state of consciousness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian H Silverstein
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Nicholas Kolbman
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Amanda Nelson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Tiecheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Peter Guzzo
- Tryp Therapeutics, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 7T2, Canada
| | - Jim Gilligan
- Tryp Therapeutics, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 7T2, Canada
| | - UnCheol Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - George A Mashour
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Giancarlo Vanini
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Dinesh Pal
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Hatzipantelis CJ, Olson DE. The Effects of Psychedelics on Neuronal Physiology. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:27-47. [PMID: 37931171 PMCID: PMC10922499 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-020923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics are quite unique among drugs that impact the central nervous system, as a single administration of a psychedelic can both rapidly alter subjective experience in profound ways and produce sustained effects on circuits relevant to mood, fear, reward, and cognitive flexibility. These remarkable properties are a direct result of psychedelics interacting with several key neuroreceptors distributed across the brain. Stimulation of these receptors activates a variety of signaling cascades that ultimately culminate in changes in neuronal structure and function. Here, we describe the effects of psychedelics on neuronal physiology, highlighting their acute effects on serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as their long-lasting effects on structural and functional neuroplasticity in the cortex. We propose that the neurobiological changes leading to the acute and sustained effects of psychedelics might be distinct, which could provide opportunities for engineering compounds with optimized safety and efficacy profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J Hatzipantelis
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - David E Olson
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Palmisano VF, Agnorelli C, Fagiolini A, Erritzoe D, Nutt D, Faraji S, Nogueira JJ. Membrane Permeation of Psychedelic Tryptamines by Dynamic Simulations. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 38324395 PMCID: PMC10882957 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Renewed scientific interest in psychedelic compounds represents one of the most promising avenues for addressing the current burden of mental health disorders. Classic psychedelics are a group of compounds that exhibit structural similarities to the naturally occurring neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT). Acting on the 5-HT type 2A receptors (HT2ARs), psychedelics induce enduring neurophysiological changes that parallel their therapeutic psychological and behavioral effects. Recent preclinical evidence suggests that the ability of psychedelics to exert their action is determined by their ability to permeate the neuronal membrane to target a pool of intracellular 5-HT2ARs. In this computational study, we employ classical molecular dynamics simulations and umbrella sampling techniques to investigate the permeation behavior of 12 selected tryptamines and to characterize the interactions that drive the process. We aim at elucidating the impact of N-alkylation, indole ring substitution and positional modifications, and protonation on their membrane permeability. Dimethylation of the primary amine group and the introduction of a methoxy group at position 5 exhibited an increase in permeability. Moreover, there is a significant influence of positional substitutions on the indole groups, and the protonation of the molecules substantially increases the energy barrier at the center of the bilayer, making the compounds highly impermeable. All the information extracted from the trends predicted by the simulations can be applied in future drug design projects to develop psychedelics with enhanced activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito F Palmisano
- Department of Chemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
- Theoretical Chemistry Group, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Claudio Agnorelli
- Center for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Science, Imperial College of London, London SW7 2BX, U.K
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Andrea Fagiolini
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - David Erritzoe
- Center for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Science, Imperial College of London, London SW7 2BX, U.K
| | - David Nutt
- Center for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Science, Imperial College of London, London SW7 2BX, U.K
| | - Shirin Faraji
- Theoretical Chemistry Group, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Juan J Nogueira
- Department of Chemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
- IADCHEM, Institute for Advanced Research in Chemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Timmermann C, Zeifman RJ, Erritzoe D, Nutt DJ, Carhart-Harris RL. Effects of DMT on mental health outcomes in healthy volunteers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3097. [PMID: 38326357 PMCID: PMC10850177 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53363-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, is being increasingly researched in clinical studies for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The relatively lengthy duration of oral psilocybin's acute effects (4-6 h) may have pragmatic and cost-effectiveness limitations. Here, we explored the effects of intravenous (IV) N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a closely related, but faster-acting psychedelic intervention, on mental health outcomes in healthy volunteers. Data is reported from two separate analyses: (1) A comparison of mental health-related variables 1 week after 7, 14, 18, and 20 mg of IV DMT versus IV saline placebo (n = 13) and, (2) A prospective dataset assessing effects before versus 2 weeks after 20 mg of IV DMT (n = 17). Mental health outcomes included measures of depression severity (QIDS-SR16), trait anxiety (STAI-T), Neuroticism (NEO-FFI), wellbeing (WHO-5), meaning in life (MLQ), optimism (LOT-R), and gratitude (GQ-6). In both the prospective and placebo-controlled datasets, significant improvements in scores of depression were found 1-2 weeks after DMT administration. Significant reductions in trait Neuroticism were only found for the placebo-controlled sample. Finally, changes in depression and trait anxiety correlated with acute peak experiences (assessed via 'Oceanic Boundlessness'). While the use of two separate cohorts in pooled analysis limits the generalizability of these correlational findings, these results suggest that DMT may reduce depressive symptomatology by inducing peak experiences. The short half-life of IV DMT and its potential for flexible dosing via controlled infusions makes it an appealing candidate for psychedelic medicine. Further research in clinical samples is needed to corroborate the therapeutic potential of DMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Timmermann
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Richard J Zeifman
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, NYU Grosssman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Šabanović M, Lazari A, Blanco-Pozo M, Tisca C, Tachrount M, Martins-Bach AB, Lerch JP, Walton ME, Bannerman DM. Lasting dynamic effects of the psychedelic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine ((±)-DOI) on cognitive flexibility. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02439-2. [PMID: 38321122 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs can aid fast and lasting remission from various neuropsychiatric disorders, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Preclinical studies suggest serotonergic psychedelics enhance neuronal plasticity, but whether neuroplastic changes can also be seen at cognitive and behavioural levels is unexplored. Here we show that a single dose of the psychedelic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine ((±)-DOI) affects structural brain plasticity and cognitive flexibility in young adult mice beyond the acute drug experience. Using ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging, we show increased volumes of several sensory and association areas one day after systemic administration of 2 mgkg-1 (±)-DOI. We then demonstrate lasting effects of (±)-DOI on cognitive flexibility in a two-step probabilistic reversal learning task where 2 mgkg-1 (±)-DOI improved the rate of adaptation to a novel reversal in task structure occurring one-week post-treatment. Strikingly, (±)-DOI-treated mice started learning from reward omissions, a unique strategy not typically seen in mice in this task, suggesting heightened sensitivity to previously overlooked cues. Crucially, further experiments revealed that (±)-DOI's effects on cognitive flexibility were contingent on the timing between drug treatment and the novel reversal, as well as on the nature of the intervening experience. (±)-DOI's facilitation of both cognitive adaptation and novel thinking strategies may contribute to the clinical benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly in cases of perseverative behaviours and a resistance to change seen in depression, anxiety, or addiction. Furthermore, our findings highlight the crucial role of time-dependent neuroplasticity and the influence of experiential factors in shaping the therapeutic potential of psychedelic interventions for impaired cognitive flexibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merima Šabanović
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, OX1 3SR, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Alberto Lazari
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Marta Blanco-Pozo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, OX1 3SR, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Cristiana Tisca
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Mohamed Tachrount
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Aurea B Martins-Bach
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark E Walton
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, OX1 3SR, Oxford, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK.
| | - David M Bannerman
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, OX1 3SR, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Murphy RJ, Godfrey K, Shaw AD, Muthukumaraswamy S, Sumner RL. Modulation of long-term potentiation following microdoses of LSD captured by thalamo-cortical modelling in a randomised, controlled trial. BMC Neurosci 2024; 25:7. [PMID: 38317077 PMCID: PMC10845757 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-024-00844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdosing psychedelics is a phenomenon with claimed cognitive benefits that are relatively untested clinically. Pre-clinically, psychedelics have demonstrated enhancing effects on neuroplasticity, which cannot be measured directly in humans, but may be indexed by non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) paradigms. This study used a visual long-term potentiation (LTP) EEG paradigm to test the effects of microdosed lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on neural plasticity, both acutely while on the drug and cumulatively after microdosing every third day for six weeks. Healthy adult males (n = 80) completed the visual LTP paradigm at baseline, 2.5 h following a dose of 10 µg of LSD or inactive placebo, and 6 weeks later after taking 14 repeated microdoses. Visually induced LTP was used as indirect index of neural plasticity. Surface level event-related potential (ERPs) based analyses are presented alongside dynamic causal modelling of the source localised data using a generative thalamocortical model (TCM) of visual cortex to elucidate underlying synaptic circuitry. RESULTS Event-related potential (ERP) analyses of N1b and P2 components did not show evidence of changes in visually induced LTP by LSD either acutely or after 6 weeks of regular dosing. However modelling the complete timecourse of the ERP with the TCM demonstrated changes in laminar connectivity in primary visual cortex. This primarily included changes to self-gain and inhibitory input parameters acutely. Layer 2/3 to layer 5 excitatory connectivity was also different between LSD and placebo groups. After regular dosing only excitatory input from layer 2/3 into layer 5 and inhibitory input into layer 4 were different between groups. CONCLUSIONS Without modulation of the ERPs it is difficult to relate the findings to other studies visually inducing LTP. It also indicates the classic peak analysis may not be sensitive enough to demonstrate evidence for changes in LTP plasticity in humans at such low doses. The TCM provides a more sensitive approach to assessing changes to plasticity as differences in plasticity mediated laminar connectivity were found between the LSD and placebo groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION ANZCTR registration number ACTRN12621000436875; Registered 16/04/2021 https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=381476 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Murphy
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Kate Godfrey
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Rachael L Sumner
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Fordyce BA, Roth BL. Making Sense of Psychedelics in the CNS. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 27:pyae007. [PMID: 38289825 PMCID: PMC10888522 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
For centuries, ancient lineages have consumed psychedelic compounds from natural sources. In the modern era, scientists have since harnessed the power of computational tools, cellular assays, and behavioral metrics to study how these compounds instigate changes on molecular, cellular, circuit-wide, and system levels. Here, we provide a brief history of psychedelics and their use in science, medicine, and culture. We then outline current techniques for studying psychedelics from a pharmacological perspective. Finally, we address known gaps in the field and potential avenues of further research to broaden our collective understanding of physiological changes induced by psychedelics, the limits of their therapeutic capabilities, and how researchers can improve and inform treatments that are rapidly becoming accessible worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blake A Fordyce
- Department of Neuroscience, UNC Chapel Hill Medical School Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, UNC Chapel Hill Medical School Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Wolfson P, Vaid G. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, psychedelic methodologies, and the impregnable value of the subjective-a new and evolving approach. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1209419. [PMID: 38362026 PMCID: PMC10867319 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1209419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychiatry is in a growth phase in which several psychedelic medicines have entered its arena with great promise. Of these, presently, ketamine is the only medicine that may be legally prescribed. We hypothesize that at subanesthetic doses, ketamine produces a unique spectrum of altered states, ranging from psychoactive to deep ego-dissolving experiences, that are intrinsic to ketamine's therapeutic effects. When these experiences are embedded in a therapeutic relationship-a setting-that fosters an amplification of the recipient's subjective consciousness, personal growth, inner healing, greater clarity, and better relationships may well ensue. While much of the literature on ketamine labels its dissociative effects as 'side effects', alteration of consciousness is a component and unavoidable 'effect' of its therapeutic impact. From its inception in the clinical trials of the 1960s, ketamine was recognized for producing dissociative, psychedelic effects on consciousness in subjects as they emerged from ketamine-induced anesthesia. Unanticipated and unintegrated, these experiences of 'emergence phenomena' were felt to be disturbing. Accordingly, such experiences have been typically labeled as dissociative side effects. However, in a conducive set and settings, these experiences have been demonstrated to be of positive use in psychiatry and psychotherapy, providing a time-out from usual states of mind to facilitate a reshaping of self-experience along with symptomatic relief. In this way, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) offers a new potential in psychiatry and psychotherapy that is powerfully valanced toward recognizing experience, individuality, and imagination. Essential to a successful therapeutic experience and outcome with KAP is close attention to the subjective experience, its expression by the recipient and integration of the ketamine experience as a healing opportunity.
Collapse
|
70
|
Videira NB, Nair V, Paquet V, Calhoun D. The changing outlook of psychedelic drugs: The importance of risk assessment and occupational exposure limits. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:216-234. [PMID: 37646119 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), are currently being investigated for the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Clinical trials with psilocybin and LSD have shown improvement in emotional and psychological scores. Although these drugs are reported to be safe in a controlled environment (such as clinical trials), exposure to low doses of these drugs can result in psychedelic effects, and therefore, occupational safety is an important consideration to prevent adverse effects in the workplace from low daily exposure. This article will discuss the factors involved in the derivation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) and risk assessment of these psychedelic drugs. To support the OEL derivations of psychedelic drugs, information regarding their mechanism of action, adverse effect profiles, pharmacokinetics, clinical effects, and nonclinical toxicity were considered. Additionally, psilocybin and LSD, which are the most extensively researched psychedelic substances, are employed as illustrative examples in case studies. The OELs derived for psilocybin and for LSD are 0.05 and 0.002 μg/m3 , respectively, which indicates that these are highly hazardous compounds, and it is important to take into account suitable safety measures and risk-management strategies in order to minimize workplace exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valérie Paquet
- formerly Affygility Solutions, Broomfield, Colorado, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
71
|
Reed F, Foldi CJ. Do the therapeutic effects of psilocybin involve actions in the gut? Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:107-117. [PMID: 38216431 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The psychedelic compound psilocybin has recently emerged as a therapeutic intervention for various mental health conditions. Psilocybin is a potent agonist of serotonin (5-HT) receptors (5-HTRs), which are expressed in the brain and throughout peripheral tissues, with particularly high expression in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, no studies have investigated the possibility that peripheral actions of psilocybin may contribute to improvements in mental health outcomes. This is despite strong evidence for disturbed gut-brain signalling in conditions in which psilocybin is being tested clinically. In this Opinion, we highlight the likely actions of psychedelics in the gut and provide initial support for the premise that peripheral actions may be involved in rapid and long-term therapeutic effects. A greater understanding of all sites and modes of action will guide more targeted approaches to drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Reed
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Australian Eating Disorders Research & Translation Centre (AEDRTC), Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Claire J Foldi
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Lee YK, Gold MS, Blum K, Thanos PK, Hanna C, Fuehrlein BS. Opioid use disorder: current trends and potential treatments. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1274719. [PMID: 38332941 PMCID: PMC10850316 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1274719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major public health threat, contributing to morbidity and mortality from addiction, overdose, and related medical conditions. Despite our increasing knowledge about the pathophysiology and existing medical treatments of OUD, it has remained a relapsing and remitting disorder for decades, with rising deaths from overdoses, rather than declining. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the increase in overall substance use and interrupted access to treatment. If increased naloxone access, more buprenorphine prescribers, greater access to treatment, enhanced reimbursement, less stigma and various harm reduction strategies were effective for OUD, overdose deaths would not be at an all-time high. Different prevention and treatment approaches are needed to reverse the concerning trend in OUD. This article will review the recent trends and limitations on existing medications for OUD and briefly review novel approaches to treatment that have the potential to be more durable and effective than existing medications. The focus will be on promising interventional treatments, psychedelics, neuroimmune, neutraceutical, and electromagnetic therapies. At different phases of investigation and FDA approval, these novel approaches have the potential to not just reduce overdoses and deaths, but attenuate OUD, as well as address existing comorbid disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kyung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research and Education, Center for Sports, Exercise, and Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Colin Hanna
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
73
|
Biosca-Brull J, Ona G, Alarcón-Franco L, Colomina MT. A transcriptomic analysis in mice following a single dose of ibogaine identifies new potential therapeutic targets. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:41. [PMID: 38242896 PMCID: PMC10798990 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02773-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ibogaine (IBO) is an atypical psychedelic with a complex mechanism of action. To date, the mechanisms that may underlie its anti-addictive effects are still not defined. This study aims to identify changes in gene expression induced by a single oral dose of IBO in the cortex of mice by means of a transcriptomic analysis for the first time. Our results showed significant alterations in gene expression in mouse frontal cortex samples 4 h after a single oral dose of IBO. Specifically, genes involved in hormonal pathways and synaptogenesis exhibited upregulation, while genes associated with apoptotic processes and endosomal transports showed downregulation. The findings were further corroborated through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. However, the validation of gene expression related to hormonal pathways did not entirely align with the transcriptomic analysis results, possibly due to the brain region from which tissue was collected. Sex differences were observed, with female mice displaying more pronounced alterations in gene expression after IBO treatment. High variability was observed across individual animals. However, this study represents a significant advancement in comprehending IBO's molecular actions. The findings highlight the influence of IBO on gene expression, particularly on hormonal pathways, synaptogenesis, apoptotic processes, and endosomal transports. The identification of sex differences underscores the importance of considering sex as a potential factor influencing IBO's effects. Further research to assess different time points after IBO exposure is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Biosca-Brull
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Tarragona, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TECNATOX), Reus, Spain
| | - Genis Ona
- ICEERS-International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Services, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Lineth Alarcón-Franco
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación Infetarre, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain.
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Tarragona, Spain.
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TECNATOX), Reus, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Duan W, Cao D, Wang S, Cheng J. Serotonin 2A Receptor (5-HT 2AR) Agonists: Psychedelics and Non-Hallucinogenic Analogues as Emerging Antidepressants. Chem Rev 2024; 124:124-163. [PMID: 38033123 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics make up a group of psychoactive compounds that induce hallucinogenic effects by activating the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR). Clinical trials have demonstrated the traditional psychedelic substances like psilocybin as a class of rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressants. However, there is a pressing need for rationally designed 5-HT2AR agonists that possess optimal pharmacological profiles in order to fully reveal the therapeutic potential of these agonists and identify safer drug candidates devoid of hallucinogenic effects. This Perspective provides an overview of the structure-activity relationships of existing 5-HT2AR agonists based on their chemical classifications and discusses recent advancements in understanding their molecular pharmacology at a structural level. The encouraging clinical outcomes of psychedelics in depression treatment have sparked drug discovery endeavors aimed at developing novel 5-HT2AR agonists with improved subtype selectivity and signaling bias properties, which could serve as safer and potentially nonhallucinogenic antidepressants. These efforts can be significantly expedited through the utilization of structure-based methods and functional selectivity-directed screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Duan
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dongmei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Sarmanlu M, Kuypers KPC, Vizeli P, Kvamme TL. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD: Growing evidence for memory effects mediating treatment efficacy. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 128:110843. [PMID: 37611653 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The application of MDMA in conjunction with psychotherapy has in recent years seen a resurgence of clinical, scientific, and public interest in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinical trials have shown promising safety and efficacy, but the mechanisms underlying this treatment form remain largely unestablished. This article explores recent preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting that the treatment's efficacy may be influenced by the mnemonic effects of MDMA. We review data on the effects of MDMA on fear extinction and fear reconsolidation and the utility of these processes for PTSD treatment. We corroborate our findings by incorporating research from cognitive psychology and psychopharmacology and offer recommendations for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mesud Sarmanlu
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick Vizeli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Timo L Kvamme
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Beans C. If psychedelics heal, how do they do it? Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321906121. [PMID: 38170743 PMCID: PMC10786285 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321906121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
|
77
|
Villalba S, González B, Junge S, Bernardi A, González J, Fagúndez C, Torterolo P, Carrera I, Urbano FJ, Bisagno V. 5-HT 2A Receptor Knockout Mice Show Sex-Dependent Differences following Acute Noribogaine Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:687. [PMID: 38255760 PMCID: PMC10815577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Noribogaine (noribo) is the primary metabolite from ibogaine, an atypical psychedelic alkaloid isolated from the root bark of the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. The main objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that molecular, electrophysiological, and behavioral responses of noribo are mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) in mice. In that regard, we used male and female, 5-HT2AR knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice injected with a single noribo dose (10 or 40 mg/kg; i.p.). After 30 min., locomotor activity was recorded followed by mRNA measurements by qPCR (immediate early genes; IEG, glutamate receptors, and 5-HT2AR levels) and electrophysiology recordings of layer V pyramidal neurons from the medial prefrontal cortex. Noribo 40 decreased locomotion in male, but not female WT. Sex and genotype differences were observed for IEG and glutamate receptor expression. Expression of 5-HT2AR mRNA increased in the mPFC of WT mice following Noribo 10 (males) or Noribo 40 (females). Patch-clamp recordings showed that Noribo 40 reduced the NMDA-mediated postsynaptic current density in mPFC pyramidal neurons only in male WT mice, but no effects were found for either KO males or females. Our results highlight that noribo produces sexually dimorphic effects while the genetic removal of 5HT2AR blunted noribo-mediated responses to NMDA synaptic transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Villalba
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Mariano Acosta 1611, Buenos Aires B1629WWA, Argentina; (S.V.); (S.J.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular Prof. Héctor Maldonado, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Bruno González
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (B.G.); (C.F.); (I.C.)
| | - Stephanie Junge
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Mariano Acosta 1611, Buenos Aires B1629WWA, Argentina; (S.V.); (S.J.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular Prof. Héctor Maldonado, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Alejandra Bernardi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Mariano Acosta 1611, Buenos Aires B1629WWA, Argentina; (S.V.); (S.J.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular Prof. Héctor Maldonado, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Joaquín González
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2125, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (J.G.); (P.T.)
| | - Catherine Fagúndez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (B.G.); (C.F.); (I.C.)
| | - Pablo Torterolo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2125, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (J.G.); (P.T.)
| | - Ignacio Carrera
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (B.G.); (C.F.); (I.C.)
| | - Francisco J. Urbano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular Prof. Héctor Maldonado, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Verónica Bisagno
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Mariano Acosta 1611, Buenos Aires B1629WWA, Argentina; (S.V.); (S.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Li L, Wang T, Li F, Yue Y, Yin Y, Chen S, Hou Z, Xu Z, Kong Y, Yuan Y. Negative association between DNA methylation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor exon VI and left superior parietal gyrification in major depressive disorder. Behav Brain Res 2024; 456:114684. [PMID: 37769873 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We have recently reported significantly higher DNA methylation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exon VI in major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to investigated cortical changes and their associations with DNA methylations in BDNF exon VI in MDD. METHODS Data of 93 patients with MDD and 59 controls were involved in statistics. General linear regressions (GLM) were performed to analyze thickness and gyrification changes in MDD and their association with DNA methylation in BDNF exon VI in patients with MDD and controls. RESULTS Significantly decreased cortical thickness (CT) in left lateral orbitofrontal cortex (LOFC), left superior temporal lobe (ST) and right frontal pole (FP) and decreased local gyrification index (lGI) in left superior parietal lobe (SP) were found in MDD. The associations between DNA methylation in 3 CpG sites in BDNF exon VI and lGI in left SP were significantly different in patients and controls. DNA methylations in BDNF132 (β = -0.359, P < 0.001), BDNF137 (β = -0.214, P = 0.032), and BDNF151 (β = -0.223, P = 0.025) were significantly negatively associated with lGI in left SP in MDD. CONCLUSION The negative association between BDNF exon VI methylation and lGI in left SP might imply a potential epigenetic marker associated with cortical gyrification reduction in patients with MDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Depression and Sleep Medicine, The Fourth People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fan Li
- Lab of Image Science and Technology, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yingying Yue
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yingying Yin
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Suzhen Chen
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhenghua Hou
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhi Xu
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Youyong Kong
- Lab of Image Science and Technology, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yonggui Yuan
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Luppi AI, Girn M, Rosas FE, Timmermann C, Roseman L, Erritzoe D, Nutt DJ, Stamatakis EA, Spreng RN, Xing L, Huttner WB, Carhart-Harris RL. A role for the serotonin 2A receptor in the expansion and functioning of human transmodal cortex. Brain 2024; 147:56-80. [PMID: 37703310 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrating independent but converging lines of research on brain function and neurodevelopment across scales, this article proposes that serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) signalling is an evolutionary and developmental driver and potent modulator of the macroscale functional organization of the human cerebral cortex. A wealth of evidence indicates that the anatomical and functional organization of the cortex follows a unimodal-to-transmodal gradient. Situated at the apex of this processing hierarchy-where it plays a central role in the integrative processes underpinning complex, human-defining cognition-the transmodal cortex has disproportionately expanded across human development and evolution. Notably, the adult human transmodal cortex is especially rich in 5-HT2AR expression and recent evidence suggests that, during early brain development, 5-HT2AR signalling on neural progenitor cells stimulates their proliferation-a critical process for evolutionarily-relevant cortical expansion. Drawing on multimodal neuroimaging and cross-species investigations, we argue that, by contributing to the expansion of the human cortex and being prevalent at the apex of its hierarchy in the adult brain, 5-HT2AR signalling plays a major role in both human cortical expansion and functioning. Owing to its unique excitatory and downstream cellular effects, neuronal 5-HT2AR agonism promotes neuroplasticity, learning and cognitive and psychological flexibility in a context-(hyper)sensitive manner with therapeutic potential. Overall, we delineate a dual role of 5-HT2ARs in enabling both the expansion and modulation of the human transmodal cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea I Luppi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1SB, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, NW1 2DB, UK
| | - Manesh Girn
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Psychedelics Division-Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California SanFrancisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Fernando E Rosas
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Christopher Timmermann
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Leor Roseman
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Emmanuel A Stamatakis
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - R Nathan Spreng
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Lei Xing
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Psychedelics Division-Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California SanFrancisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Burback L, Brémault-Phillips S, Nijdam MJ, McFarlane A, Vermetten E. Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A State-of-the-art Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:557-635. [PMID: 37132142 PMCID: PMC10845104 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230428091433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative state-of-the-art review paper describes the progress in the understanding and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Over the last four decades, the scientific landscape has matured, with many interdisciplinary contributions to understanding its diagnosis, etiology, and epidemiology. Advances in genetics, neurobiology, stress pathophysiology, and brain imaging have made it apparent that chronic PTSD is a systemic disorder with high allostatic load. The current state of PTSD treatment includes a wide variety of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches, of which many are evidence-based. However, the myriad challenges inherent in the disorder, such as individual and systemic barriers to good treatment outcome, comorbidity, emotional dysregulation, suicidality, dissociation, substance use, and trauma-related guilt and shame, often render treatment response suboptimal. These challenges are discussed as drivers for emerging novel treatment approaches, including early interventions in the Golden Hours, pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, medication augmentation interventions, the use of psychedelics, as well as interventions targeting the brain and nervous system. All of this aims to improve symptom relief and clinical outcomes. Finally, a phase orientation to treatment is recognized as a tool to strategize treatment of the disorder, and position interventions in step with the progression of the pathophysiology. Revisions to guidelines and systems of care will be needed to incorporate innovative treatments as evidence emerges and they become mainstream. This generation is well-positioned to address the devastating and often chronic disabling impact of traumatic stress events through holistic, cutting-edge clinical efforts and interdisciplinary research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Burback
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Mirjam J. Nijdam
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Diemen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Madsen MK, Petersen AS, Stenbaek DS, Sørensen IM, Schiønning H, Fjeld T, Nykjaer CH, Larsen SMU, Grzywacz M, Mathiesen T, Klausen IL, Overgaard-Hansen O, Brendstrup-Brix K, Linnet K, Johansen SS, Fisher PM, Jensen RH, Knudsen GM. CCH attack frequency reduction after psilocybin correlates with hypothalamic functional connectivity. Headache 2024; 64:55-67. [PMID: 38238974 DOI: 10.1111/head.14656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility and prophylactic effect of psilocybin as well as its effects on hypothalamic functional connectivity (FC) in patients with chronic cluster headache (CCH). BACKGROUND CCH is an excruciating and difficult-to-treat disorder with incompletely understood pathophysiology, although hypothalamic dysfunction has been implicated. Psilocybin may have beneficial prophylactic effects, but clinical evidence is limited. METHODS In this small open-label clinical trial, 10 patients with CCH were included and maintained headache diaries for 10 weeks. Patients received three doses of peroral psilocybin (0.14 mg/kg) on the first day of weeks five, six, and seven. The first 4 weeks served as baseline and the last 4 weeks as follow-up. Hypothalamic FC was determined using functional magnetic resonance imaging the day before the first psilocybin dose and 1 week after the last dose. RESULTS The treatment was well tolerated. Attack frequency was reduced by mean (standard deviation) 31% (31) from baseline to follow-up (pFWER = 0.008). One patient experienced 21 weeks of complete remission. Changes in hypothalamic-diencephalic FC correlated negatively with a percent change in attack frequency (pFWER = 0.03, R = -0.81), implicating this neural pathway in treatment response. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that psilocybin may have prophylactic potential and implicates the hypothalamus in possible treatment response. Further clinical studies are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin K Madsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anja Sofie Petersen
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dea S Stenbaek
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inger Marie Sørensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Harald Schiønning
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tobias Fjeld
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte H Nykjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara Marie Ulv Larsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Grzywacz
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tobias Mathiesen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida L Klausen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Oliver Overgaard-Hansen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Kristian Linnet
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sys S Johansen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick M Fisher
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rigmor H Jensen
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte M Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Heifets BD, Olson DE. Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:104-118. [PMID: 37488282 PMCID: PMC10700553 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01666-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that psychedelics and entactogens may produce both rapid and sustained therapeutic effects across several indications. Currently, there is a disconnect between how these compounds are used in the clinic and how they are studied in preclinical species, which has led to a gap in our mechanistic understanding of how these compounds might positively impact mental health. Human studies have emphasized extra-pharmacological factors that could modulate psychedelic-induced therapeutic responses including set, setting, and integration-factors that are poorly modelled in current animal experiments. In contrast, animal studies have focused on changes in neuronal activation and structural plasticity-outcomes that are challenging to measure in humans. Here, we describe several hypotheses that might explain how psychedelics rescue neuropsychiatric disease symptoms, and we propose ways to bridge the gap between human and rodent studies. Given the diverse pharmacological profiles of psychedelics and entactogens, we suggest that their rapid and sustained therapeutic mechanisms of action might best be described by the collection of circuits that they modulate rather than their actions at any single molecular target. Thus, approaches focusing on selective circuit modulation of behavioral phenotypes might prove more fruitful than target-based methods for identifying novel compounds with rapid and sustained therapeutic effects similar to psychedelics and entactogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris D Heifets
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - David E Olson
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
Gumpper RH, Roth BL. Psychedelics: preclinical insights provide directions for future research. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:119-127. [PMID: 36932180 PMCID: PMC10700551 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01567-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Recently, psychedelics have emerged as promising therapeutics for numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. While their potential in the clinic has yet to be fully elucidated, understanding their molecular and biological mechanisms is imperative as these compounds are becoming widely used both in therapeutic and recreational contexts. This review examines the current understanding of basic biology, pharmacology, and structural biology in an attempt to reveal both the knowns and unknowns within the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan H Gumpper
- Department of Pharmacology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Yaden DB, Berghella AP, Hendricks PS, Yaden ME, Levine M, Rohde JS, Nayak S, Johnson MW, Garcia-Romeu A. IUPHAR-review: The integration of classic psychedelics into current substance use disorder treatment models. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:106998. [PMID: 38029805 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) have an enormous impact on public health. With classic psychedelic-assisted therapies showing initial promise in treating multiple SUDs, it is possible that these treatments will become legally available options for patients with SUDs in the future. This article highlights how classic psychedelic-assisted therapies might be integrated into current clinical practice. We first describe contemporary evidence-based treatments for SUDs and highlight how classic psychedelic-assisted therapies might fit within each treatment. We suggest that classic psychedelic-assisted therapies can be integrated into most mainstream evidence-based SUD treatments that are currently used in clinical settings, indicating broad compatibility of classic psychedelics with contemporary SUD treatment paradigms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David B Yaden
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Andrea P Berghella
- Thomas Jefferson University MD/PhD Program, Sidney Kimmel Medical College and Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Peter S Hendricks
- School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Mary E Yaden
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Michael Levine
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Julia S Rohde
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Sandeep Nayak
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Matthew W Johnson
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Kim J, He MJ, Widmann AK, Lee FS. The role of neurotrophic factors in novel, rapid psychiatric treatments. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:227-245. [PMID: 37673965 PMCID: PMC10700398 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors are a family of growth factors that modulate cellular growth, survival, and differentiation. For many decades, it has been generally believed that a lack of neurotrophic support led to the decreased neuronal synaptic plasticity, death, and loss of non-neuronal supportive cells seen in neuropsychiatric disorders. Traditional psychiatric medications that lead to immediate increases in neurotransmitter levels at the synapse have been shown also to elevate synaptic neurotrophic levels over weeks, correlating with the time course of the therapeutic effects of these drugs. Recent advances in psychiatric treatments, such as ketamine and psychedelics, have shown a much faster onset of therapeutic effects (within minutes to hours). They have also been shown to lead to a rapid release of neurotrophins into the synapse. This has spurred a significant shift in understanding the role of neurotrophins and how the receptor tyrosine kinases that bind neurotrophins may work in concert with other signaling systems. In this review, this renewed understanding of synaptic receptor signaling interactions and the clinical implications of this mechanistic insight will be discussed within the larger context of the well-established roles of neurotrophic factors in psychiatric disorders and treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Michelle J He
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Alina K Widmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Francis S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Affiliation(s)
- Guy M Goodwin
- COMPASS Pathways Plc, London (Goodwin, Malievskaia); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin (Fonzo, Nemeroff)
| | - Ekaterina Malievskaia
- COMPASS Pathways Plc, London (Goodwin, Malievskaia); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin (Fonzo, Nemeroff)
| | - Gregory A Fonzo
- COMPASS Pathways Plc, London (Goodwin, Malievskaia); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin (Fonzo, Nemeroff)
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- COMPASS Pathways Plc, London (Goodwin, Malievskaia); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin (Fonzo, Nemeroff)
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Zaretsky TG, Jagodnik KM, Barsic R, Antonio JH, Bonanno PA, MacLeod C, Pierce C, Carney H, Morrison MT, Saylor C, Danias G, Lepow L, Yehuda R. The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:636-735. [PMID: 38284341 PMCID: PMC10845102 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231027111147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estimated 12 million U.S. adults are presently affected by this disorder. Current treatments include psychological therapies (e.g., exposure-based interventions) and pharmacological treatments (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)). However, a significant proportion of patients receiving standard-of-care therapies for PTSD remain symptomatic, and new approaches for this and other trauma-related mental health conditions are greatly needed. Psychedelic compounds that alter cognition, perception, and mood are currently being examined for their efficacy in treating PTSD despite their current status as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)- scheduled substances. Initial clinical trials have demonstrated the potential value of psychedelicassisted therapy to treat PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the state of the science of PTSD clinical care, including current treatments and their shortcomings. We review clinical studies of psychedelic interventions to treat PTSD, trauma-related disorders, and common comorbidities. The classic psychedelics psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and DMT-containing ayahuasca, as well as the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and the dissociative anesthetic ketamine, are reviewed. For each drug, we present the history of use, psychological and somatic effects, pharmacology, and safety profile. The rationale and proposed mechanisms for use in treating PTSD and traumarelated disorders are discussed. This review concludes with an in-depth consideration of future directions for the psychiatric applications of psychedelics to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize risk in individuals and communities impacted by trauma-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Glatman Zaretsky
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Jagodnik
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Barsic
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josimar Hernandez Antonio
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip A. Bonanno
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn MacLeod
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlotte Pierce
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hunter Carney
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan T. Morrison
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Saylor
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Danias
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Lepow
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Wojtas A, Gołembiowska K. Molecular and Medical Aspects of Psychedelics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:241. [PMID: 38203411 PMCID: PMC10778977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychedelics belong to the oldest psychoactive drugs. They arouse recent interest due to their therapeutic applications in the treatment of major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, end-of-life anxiety,= and anxiety symptoms, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In this review, the current state of preclinical research on the mechanism of action, neurotoxicity, and behavioral impact of psychedelics is summarized. The effect of selective 5-HT2A receptor agonists, 25I- and 25B-NBOMe, after acute and repeated administration is characterized and compared with the effects of a less selective drug, psilocybin. The data show a significant effect of NBOMes on glutamatergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic neurotransmission in the frontal cortex, striatum, and nucleus accumbens. The increases in extracellular levels of neurotransmitters were not dose-dependent, which most likely resulted from the stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptor and subsequent activation of the 5-HT2C receptors. This effect was also observed in the wet dog shake test and locomotor activity. Chronic administration of NBOMes elicited rapid development of tolerance, genotoxicity, and activation of microglia. Acute treatment with psilocybin affected monoaminergic and aminoacidic neurotransmitters in the frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus but not in the amygdala. Psilocybin exhibited anxiolytic properties resulting from intensification of GABAergic neurotransmission. The data indicate that NBOMes as selective 5-HT2A agonists exert a significant effect on neurotransmission and behavior of rats while also inducing oxidative DNA damage. In contrast to NBOMes, the effects induced by psilocybin suggest a broader therapeutic index of this drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Unit II, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Witt CE, Mena S, Holmes J, Hersey M, Buchanan AM, Parke B, Saylor R, Honan LE, Berger SN, Lumbreras S, Nijhout FH, Reed MC, Best J, Fadel J, Schloss P, Lau T, Hashemi P. Serotonin is a common thread linking different classes of antidepressants. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:1557-1570.e6. [PMID: 37992715 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Depression pathology remains elusive. The monoamine hypothesis has placed much focus on serotonin, but due to the variable clinical efficacy of monoamine reuptake inhibitors, the community is looking for alternative therapies such as ketamine (neurogenesis theory of antidepressant action). There is evidence that different classes of antidepressants may affect serotonin levels; a notion we test here. We measure hippocampal serotonin in mice with voltammetry and study the effects of acute challenges of escitalopram, fluoxetine, reboxetine, and ketamine. We find that pseudo-equivalent doses of these drugs similarly raise ambient serotonin levels, despite their differing pharmacodynamics because of differences in Uptake 1 and 2, rapid SERT trafficking, and modulation of serotonin by histamine. These antidepressants have different pharmacodynamics but have strikingly similar effects on extracellular serotonin. Our findings suggest that serotonin is a common thread that links clinically effective antidepressants, synergizing different theories of depression (synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and the monoamine hypothesis).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colby E Witt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Sergio Mena
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jordan Holmes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Melinda Hersey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Anna Marie Buchanan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Brenna Parke
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Saylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Lauren E Honan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shane N Berger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Sara Lumbreras
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Biochemical Laboratory, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty, Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Michael C Reed
- Department of Mathematics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Janet Best
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James Fadel
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Patrick Schloss
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Biochemical Laboratory, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty, Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thorsten Lau
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Biochemical Laboratory, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty, Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Department of Neuroanatomy, Mannheim Centre for Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Parastoo Hashemi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Du Y, Li Y, Zhao X, Yao Y, Wang B, Zhang L, Wang G. Psilocybin facilitates fear extinction in mice by promoting hippocampal neuroplasticity. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2983-2992. [PMID: 37000971 PMCID: PMC10752473 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are highly comorbid. Psilocybin exerts substantial therapeutic effects on depression by promoting neuroplasticity. Fear extinction is a key process in the mechanism of first-line exposure-based therapies for PTSD. We hypothesized that psilocybin would facilitate fear extinction by promoting hippocampal neuroplasticity. METHODS First, we assessed the effects of psilocybin on percentage of freezing time in an auditory cued fear conditioning (FC) and fear extinction paradigm in mice. Psilocybin was administered 30 min before extinction training. Fear extinction testing was performed on the first day; fear extinction retrieval and fear renewal were tested on the sixth and seventh days, respectively. Furthermore, we verified the effect of psilocybin on hippocampal neuroplasticity using Golgi staining for the dendritic complexity and spine density, Western blotting for the protein levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and immunofluorescence staining for the numbers of doublecortin (DCX)- and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells. RESULTS A single dose of psilocybin (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the increase in the percentage of freezing time induced by FC at 24 h, 6th day and 7th day after administration. In terms of structural neuroplasticity, psilocybin rescued the decrease in hippocampal dendritic complexity and spine density induced by FC; in terms of neuroplasticity related proteins, psilocybin rescued the decrease in the protein levels of hippocampal BDNF and mTOR induced by FC; in terms of neurogenesis, psilocybin rescued the decrease in the numbers of DCX- and BrdU-positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus induced by FC. CONCLUSIONS A single dose of psilocybin facilitated rapid and sustained fear extinction; this effect might be partially mediated by the promotion of hippocampal neuroplasticity. This study indicates that psilocybin may be a useful adjunct to exposure-based therapies for PTSD and other mental disorders characterized by failure of fear extinction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing 100850, China
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiangting Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing 100850, China
- Key Laboratory of Microecology-Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases Basic Medical College of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang 154000, China
| | - Yishan Yao
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Guyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Wojtas A, Bysiek A, Wawrzczak-Bargiela A, Maćkowiak M, Gołembiowska K. Limbic System Response to Psilocybin and Ketamine Administration in Rats: A Neurochemical and Behavioral Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:100. [PMID: 38203271 PMCID: PMC10779066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of depression is related to the reduced volume of the hippocampus and amygdala and hypertrophy of the nucleus accumbens. The mechanism of these changes is not well understood; however, clinical studies have shown that the administration of the fast-acting antidepressant ketamine reversed the decrease in hippocampus and amygdala volume in depressed patients, and the magnitude of this effect correlated with the reduction in depressive symptoms. In the present study, we attempted to find out whether the psychedelic substance psilocybin affects neurotransmission in the limbic system in comparison to ketamine. Psilocybin and ketamine increased the release of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) in the nucleus accumbens of naive rats as demonstrated using microdialysis. Both drugs influenced glutamate and GABA release in the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus and amygdala and increased ACh levels in the hippocampus. The changes in D2, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor density in the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus were observed as a long-lasting effect. A marked anxiolytic effect of psilocybin in the acute phase and 24 h post-treatment was shown in the open field test. These data provide the neurobiological background for psilocybin's effect on stress, anxiety and structural changes in the limbic system and translate into the antidepressant effect of psilocybin in depressed patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Wojtas
- Unit II, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.W.); (A.B.)
| | - Agnieszka Bysiek
- Unit II, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.W.); (A.B.)
| | - Agnieszka Wawrzczak-Bargiela
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.W.-B.); (M.M.)
| | - Marzena Maćkowiak
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.W.-B.); (M.M.)
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Unit II, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.W.); (A.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Kolbman N, Liu T, Guzzo P, Gilligan J, Mashour GA, Vanini G, Pal D. Intravenous psilocybin attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity in a rat model of chronic pain. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R1282-R1283. [PMID: 38113836 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
There is a renewed interest in psychedelic drugs as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In particular, psilocybin has shown promise for the treatment of refractory depression1 and major depressive disorder2, and has also been explored as a treatment for tobacco and alcohol abuse3,4. However, despite suggestive evidence5,6, there has been no systematic study to investigate the effectiveness of psilocybin in attenuating indices of chronic pain. To address this gap, we investigated the effect of psilocybin on mechanical hypersensitivity and thermal hyperalgesia in a well-established rat model of formalin-induced, centralized chronic pain7,8 and demonstrate that a single intravenous bolus administration of psilocybin can attenuate mechanical hypersensitivity for 28 days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Kolbman
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tiecheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter Guzzo
- Tryp Therapeutics, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7T2, Canada
| | | | - George A Mashour
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Giancarlo Vanini
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Dinesh Pal
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Onofrj M, Russo M, Delli Pizzi S, De Gregorio D, Inserra A, Gobbi G, Sensi SL. The central role of the Thalamus in psychosis, lessons from neurodegenerative diseases and psychedelics. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:384. [PMID: 38092757 PMCID: PMC10719401 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02691-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The PD-DLB psychosis complex found in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) includes hallucinations, Somatic Symptom/Functional Disorders, and delusions. These disorders exhibit similar presentation patterns and progression. Mechanisms at the root of these symptoms also share similarities with processes promoting altered states of consciousness found in Rapid Eye Movement sleep, psychiatric disorders, or the intake of psychedelic compounds. We propose that these mechanisms find a crucial driver and trigger in the dysregulated activity of high-order thalamic nuclei set in motion by ThalamoCortical Dysrhythmia (TCD). TCD generates the loss of finely tuned cortico-cortical modulations promoted by the thalamus and unleashes the aberrant activity of the Default Mode Network (DMN). TCD moves in parallel with altered thalamic filtering of external and internal information. The process produces an input overload to the cortex, thereby exacerbating DMN decoupling from task-positive networks. These phenomena alter the brain metastability, creating dreamlike, dissociative, or altered states of consciousness. In support of this hypothesis, mind-altering psychedelic drugs also modulate thalamic-cortical pathways. Understanding the pathophysiological background of these conditions provides a conceptual bridge between neurology and psychiatry, thereby helping to generate a promising and converging area of investigation and therapeutic efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Onofrj
- Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technology-ITAB University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Mirella Russo
- Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technology-ITAB University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Delli Pizzi
- Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technology-ITAB University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technology-ITAB University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Wojtas A. The possible place for psychedelics in pharmacotherapy of mental disorders. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1313-1325. [PMID: 37934320 PMCID: PMC10661751 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00550-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Since its emergence in the 1960s, the serotonergic theory of depression bore fruit in the discovery of a plethora of antidepressant drugs affecting the lives of millions of patients. While crucial in the history of drug development, recent studies undermine the effectiveness of currently used antidepressant drugs in comparison to placebo, emphasizing the long time it takes to initiate the therapeutic response and numerous adverse effects. Thus, the scope of contemporary pharmacological research shifts from drugs affecting the serotonin system to rapid-acting antidepressant drugs. The prototypical representative of the aforementioned class is ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist capable of alleviating the symptoms of depression shortly after the drug administration. This discovery led to a paradigm shift, focusing on amino-acidic neurotransmitters and growth factors. Alas, the drug is not perfect, as its therapeutic effect diminishes circa 2 weeks after administration. Furthermore, it is not devoid of some severe side effects. However, there seems to be another, more efficient, and safer way to target the glutamatergic system. Hallucinogenic agonists of the 5-HT2A receptor, commonly known as psychedelics, are nowadays being reconsidered in clinical practice, shedding their infamous 1970s stigma. More and more clinical studies prove their clinical efficacy and rapid onset after a single administration while bearing fewer side effects. This review focuses on the current state-of-the-art literature and most recent clinical studies concerning the use of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of mental disorders. Specifically, the antidepressant potential of LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and 5-MeO-DMT will be discussed, together with a brief summary of other possible applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Wojtas
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Liu G, Ma L, Qu Y, Wan X, Xu D, Zhao M, Murayama R, Hashimoto K. Prophylactic effects of arketamine, but not hallucinogenic psychedelic DOI nor non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog lisuride, in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice and mice exposed to chronic restrain stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 233:173659. [PMID: 37844631 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Anesthetic ketamine and classical psychedelics that act as 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonists demonstrated rapid and sustained antidepressant actions in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The new antidepressant arketamine is reported to cause long-lasting prophylactic effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice and mice exposed to chronic restrain stress (CRS). However, no study has compared the prophylactic effects of DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine: a hallucinogenic psychedelic drug with potent 5-HT2AR agonism), lisuride (non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog with 5-HT2AR and 5-HT1AR agonism), and arketamine on depression-like behaviors in mice. Saline (10 ml/kg), DOI (2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg), lisuride (1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg), or arketamine (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to male mice 6 days before administration of LPS (1.0 mg/kg). Pretreatment with aketamine, but not DOI and lisuride, significantly ameliorated body weight loss, splenomegaly, the increased immobility time of forced swimming test (FST), and the decreased expression of PSD-95 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of LPS-treated mice. In another test, male mice received the same treatment one day before CRS (7 days). Pretreatment with aketamine, but not DOI and lisuride, significantly ameliorated the increased FST immobility time, the reduced sucrose preference in the sucrose preference test, and the decreased expression of PSD-95 in the PFC of CRS-exposed mice. These findings suggest that, unlike to arketamine, both DOI and lisuride did not exhibit long-lasting prophylactic effects in mouse models of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilin Liu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Li Ma
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Xiayun Wan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Dan Xu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Rumi Murayama
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Maćkowiak M. Psychedelics action and schizophrenia. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1350-1361. [PMID: 37899392 PMCID: PMC10661800 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics are compounds acting by serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A receptor activation and induce several behavioral responses. They are of special interest because of their positive effects on neuropsychiatric disorders (depression and posttraumatic stress disorder). However, several findings revealed that some psychedelic actions are similar to symptoms observed in schizophrenia (psychosis, sensorimotor gating impairments, attention, and working memory deficits) which might limit their clinical applications. Psychedelics activate some neurotransmitters, i.e., serotonergic, and glutamatergic, that are also impaired in schizophrenia. Therefore, the neurobiological background of psychedelics and schizophrenia is partially similar. Another important aspect to discuss is the perspective of using psychedelics in schizophrenia therapy. Postmortem studies showed a loss of synapses in schizophrenia, and the positive effects of psychedelics on neuroplasticity (synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and neuritogenesis) might be essential in the context of schizophrenia therapy. However, because of psychedelics' psychotic action, the recommended doses of psychedelics in schizophrenia treatment are not established, and subpsychedelic dosing or microdosing are considered. Exploratory studies are needed to determine the tolerability of treatment and appropriate dosing regimen. Another therapeutic option is using non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs that also induce neuroplastic outcomes but do not have psychotogenic effects. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to recognize the potential effectiveness of 5-HT2A agonists in schizophrenia therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Maćkowiak
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Pharmacology Department, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Pouyan N, Younesi Sisi F, Kargar A, Scheidegger M, McIntyre RS, Morrow JD. The effects of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) on the Positive Valence Systems: A Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)-Informed Systematic Review. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:1027-1063. [PMID: 37999867 PMCID: PMC10703966 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The renewed interest in psychedelic research provides growing evidence of potentially unique effects on various aspects of reward processing systems. Using the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, as proposed by the National Institute of Mental Health, we aim to synthesize the existing literature concerning the impact of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on the RDoC's Positive Valence Systems (PVS) domain, and to identify potential avenues for further research. METHODS Two LSD-related terms (lysergic acid diethylamide and LSD) and 13 PVS-related terms (reward, happiness, bliss, motivation, reinforcement learning, operant, conditioning, satisfaction, decision making, habit, valence, affect, mood) were used to search electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO, and Web of Science for relevant articles. A manual search of the reference list resulted in nine additional articles. After screening, articles and data were evaluated and included based on their relevance to the objective of investigating the effects of LSD on the PVS. Articles and data were excluded if they did not provide information about the PVS, were observational in nature, lacked comparators or reference groups, or were duplicates. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the National Toxicology Program's Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP OHAT) risk of bias (RoB) tool. Data from the included articles were collected and structured based on the RDoC bio-behavioral matrix, specifically focusing on the PVS domain and its three constituent constructs: reward responsiveness, reward learning, and reward valuation. RESULTS We reviewed 28 clinical studies with 477 participants. Lysergic acid diethylamide, assessed at self-report (23 studies), molecular (5 studies), circuit (4 studies), and paradigm (3 studies) levels, exhibited dose-dependent mood improvement (20 short-term and 3 long-term studies). The subjective and neural effects of LSD were linked to the 5-HT2A receptor (molecular). Animal studies (14 studies) suggested LSD could mildly reinforce conditioned place preference without aversion and reduce responsiveness to other rewards. Findings on reward learning were inconsistent but hinted at potential associative learning enhancements. Reward valuation measures indicated potential reductions in effort expenditure for other reinforcers. CONCLUSION Our findings are consistent with our previous work, which indicated classical psychedelics, primarily serotonin 2A receptor agonists, enhanced reward responsiveness in healthy individuals and patient populations. Lysergic acid diethylamide exhibits a unique profile in the reward learning and valuation constructs. Using the RDoC-based framework, we identified areas for future research, enhancing our understanding of the impact of LSD on reward processing. However, applying RDoC to psychedelic research faces limitations due to diverse study designs that were not initially RDoC-oriented. Limitations include subjective outcome measure selection aligned with RDoC constructs and potential bias in synthesizing varied studies. Additionally, some human studies were open-label, introducing potential bias compared to randomized, blinded studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Pouyan
- Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC), and Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center (CPFRC), University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, and Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS), University of Michigan Medical School, 1135 Catherine Street, Box 5619, 2960 Taubman Health Science Library, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Aracell Zist Darou pharmaceutical, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farnaz Younesi Sisi
- Yaadmaan Institute for Brain, Cognition and Memory Studies, Tehran, Iran
- Cognitive Neurology and Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Kargar
- Cognitive Neurology and Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milan Scheidegger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit (MDPU), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Morrow
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, and Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS), University of Michigan Medical School, 1135 Catherine Street, Box 5619, 2960 Taubman Health Science Library, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Ona G, Reverte I, Rossi GN, Dos Santos RG, Hallak JE, Colomina MT, Bouso JC. Main targets of ibogaine and noribogaine associated with its putative anti-addictive effects: A mechanistic overview. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:1190-1200. [PMID: 37937505 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231200882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing interest in studying ibogaine (IBO) as a potential treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). However, its clinical use has been hindered for mainly two reasons: First, the lack of randomized, controlled studies informing about its safety and efficacy. And second, IBO's mechanisms of action remain obscure. It has been challenging to elucidate a predominant mechanism of action responsible for its anti-addictive effects. OBJECTIVE To describe the main targets of IBO and its main metabolite, noribogaine (NOR), in relation to their putative anti-addictive effects, reviewing the updated literature available. METHODS A comprehensive search involving MEDLINE and Google Scholar was undertaken, selecting papers published until July 2022. The inclusion criteria were both theoretical and experimental studies about the pharmacology of IBO. Additional publications were identified in the references of the initial papers. RESULTS IBO and its main metabolite, NOR, can modulate several targets associated with SUDs. Instead of identifying key targets, the action of IBO should be understood as a complex modulation of multiple receptor systems, leading to potential synergies. The elucidation of IBO's pharmacology could be enhanced through the application of methodologies rooted in the polypharmacology paradigm. Such approaches possess the capability to describe multifaceted patterns within multi-target drugs. CONCLUSION IBO displays complex effects through multiple targets. The information detailed here should guide future research on both mechanistic and therapeutic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genís Ona
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ingrid Reverte
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation (IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia), Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano N Rossi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Dos Santos
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil
| | - Jaime Ec Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
Kolasa M, Faron-Górecka A. Preclinical models of treatment-resistant depression: challenges and perspectives. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1326-1340. [PMID: 37882914 PMCID: PMC10661811 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00542-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a subgroup of major depressive disorder in which the use of classical antidepressant treatments fails to achieve satisfactory treatment results. Although there are various definitions and grading models for TRD, common criteria for assessing TRD have still not been established. However, a common feature of any TRD model is the lack of response to at least two attempts at antidepressant pharmacotherapy. The causes of TRD are not known; nevertheless, it is estimated that even 60% of TRD patients are so-called pseudo-TRD patients, in which multiple biological factors, e.g., gender, age, and hormonal disturbances are concomitant with depression and involved in antidepressant drug resistance. Whereas the phenomenon of TRD is a complex disorder difficult to diagnose and successfully treat, the search for new treatment strategies is a significant challenge of modern pharmacology. It seems that despite the complexity of the TRD phenomenon, some useful animal models of TRD meet the construct, the face, and the predictive validity criteria. Based on the literature and our own experiences, we will discuss the utility of animals exposed to the stress paradigm (chronic mild stress, CMS), and the Wistar Kyoto rat strain representing an endogenous model of TRD. In this review, we will focus on reviewing research on existing and novel therapies for TRD, including ketamine, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and psychedelic drugs in the context of preclinical studies in representative animal models of TRD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kolasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Faron-Górecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
100
|
Gołembiowska K. Introduction to the thematic collection "Psychedelic Medicine: Therapeutic Applications and Implications for Future Research". Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1311-1312. [PMID: 37904067 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|