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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.
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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
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Tagen M, Mantuani D, van Heerden L, Holstein A, Klumpers LE, Knowles R. The risk of chronic psychedelic and MDMA microdosing for valvular heart disease. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:876-890. [PMID: 37572027 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231190865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelic microdosing is the practice of taking very low doses of psychedelic substances, typically over a longer period of time. The long-term safety of chronic microdosing is relatively uncharacterized, but valvular heart disease (VHD) has been proposed as a potential risk due to activation of the serotonin 5-HT2B receptor. However, this risk has not yet been comprehensively assessed. This analysis searched for all relevant in vitro, animal, and clinical studies related to the VHD risk of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and the non-psychedelic 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). All five compounds and some metabolites could bind to the 5-HT2B receptor with potency equal to or greater than that of the 5-HT2A receptor, the primary target of psychedelics. All compounds were partial agonists at the 5-HT2B receptor with the exception of mescaline, which could not be adequately assessed due to low potency. Safety margins relative to the maximum plasma concentrations from typical microdoses were greater than known valvulopathogens, but not without potential risk. No animal or clinical studies appropriately designed to evaluate VHD risk were found for the four psychedelics. However, there is some clinical evidence that chronic ingestion of full doses of MDMA is associated with VHD. We conclude that VHD is a potential risk with chronic psychedelic microdosing, but further studies are necessary to better define this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Mantuani
- Delos Psyche Research Group, Mountain View, CA, USA
- Delos Therapeutics, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Liron van Heerden
- Delos Psyche Research Group, Mountain View, CA, USA
- Delos Therapeutics, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Alex Holstein
- Delos Psyche Research Group, Mountain View, CA, USA
- Delos Therapeutics, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Linda E Klumpers
- Verdient Science LLC, Englewood, CO, USA
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Richard Knowles
- Delos Psyche Research Group, Mountain View, CA, USA
- Delos Therapeutics, Mountain View, CA, USA
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Kiilerich KF, Lorenz J, Scharff MB, Speth N, Brandt TG, Czurylo J, Xiong M, Jessen NS, Casado-Sainz A, Shalgunov V, Kjaerby C, Satała G, Bojarski AJ, Jensen AA, Herth MM, Cumming P, Overgaard A, Palner M. Repeated low doses of psilocybin increase resilience to stress, lower compulsive actions, and strengthen cortical connections to the paraventricular thalamic nucleus in rats. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3829-3841. [PMID: 37783788 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02280-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Psilocybin (a classic serotonergic psychedelic drug) has received appraisal for use in psychedelic-assisted therapy of several psychiatric disorders. A less explored topic concerns the use of repeated low doses of psychedelics, at a dose that is well below the psychedelic dose used in psychedelic-assisted therapy and often referred to as microdosing. Psilocybin microdose users frequently report increases in mental health, yet such reports are often highly biased and vulnerable to placebo effects. Here we establish and validate a psilocybin microdose-like regimen in rats with repeated low doses of psilocybin administration at a dose derived from occupancy at rat brain 5-HT2A receptors in vivo. The rats tolerated the repeated low doses of psilocybin well and did not manifest signs of anhedonia, anxiety, or altered locomotor activity. There were no deficits in pre-pulse inhibition of the startle reflex, nor did the treatment downregulate or desensitize the 5-HT2A receptors. However, the repeated low doses of psilocybin imparted resilience against the stress of multiple subcutaneous injections, and reduced the frequency of self-grooming, a proxy for human compulsive actions, while also increasing 5-HT7 receptor expression and synaptic density in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. These results establish a well-validated regimen for further experiments probing the effects of repeated low doses of psilocybin. Results further substantiate anecdotal reports of the benefits of psilocybin microdosing as a therapeutic intervention, while pointing to a possible physiological mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kat F Kiilerich
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joe Lorenz
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malthe B Scharff
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nikolaj Speth
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tobias G Brandt
- Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Julia Czurylo
- Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mengfei Xiong
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Naja S Jessen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Agata Casado-Sainz
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vladimir Shalgunov
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Celia Kjaerby
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grzegorz Satała
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej J Bojarski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthias M Herth
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Agnete Overgaard
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikael Palner
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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Wießner I, Falchi M, Palhano-Fontes F, Feilding A, Ribeiro S, Tófoli LF. LSD, madness and healing: Mystical experiences as possible link between psychosis model and therapy model. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1151-1165. [PMID: 34253268 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721002531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For a century, psychedelics have been investigated as models of psychosis for demonstrating phenomenological similarities with psychotic experiences and as therapeutic models for treating depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. This study sought to explore this paradoxical relationship connecting key parameters of the psychotic experience, psychotherapy, and psychedelic experience. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 24 healthy volunteers received 50 μg d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or inactive placebo. Psychotic experience was assessed by aberrant salience (Aberrant Salience Inventory, ASI), therapeutic potential by suggestibility (Creative Imagination Scale, CIS) and mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, FFMQ; Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS; Experiences Questionnaire, EQ), and psychedelic experience by four questionnaires (Altered State of Consciousness Questionnaire, ASC; Mystical Experiences Questionnaire, MEQ; Challenging Experiences Questionnaire, CEQ; Ego-Dissolution Inventory, EDI). Relationships between LSD-induced effects were examined. RESULTS LSD induced psychedelic experiences, including alteration of consciousness, mystical experiences, ego-dissolution, and mildly challenging experiences, increased aberrant salience and suggestibility, but not mindfulness. LSD-induced aberrant salience correlated highly with complex imagery, mystical experiences, and ego-dissolution. LSD-induced suggestibility correlated with no other effects. Individual mindfulness changes correlated with aspects of aberrant salience and psychedelic experience. CONCLUSIONS The LSD state resembles a psychotic experience and offers a tool for healing. The link between psychosis model and therapeutic model seems to lie in mystical experiences. The results point to the importance of meaning attribution for the LSD psychosis model and indicate that psychedelic-assisted therapy might benefit from therapeutic suggestions fostering mystical experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Wießner
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Falchi
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Palhano-Fontes
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Could psychedelic drugs have a role in the treatment of schizophrenia? Rationale and strategy for safe implementation. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:44-58. [PMID: 36280752 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a widespread psychiatric disorder that affects 0.5-1.0% of the world's population and induces significant, long-term disability that exacts high personal and societal cost. Negative symptoms, which respond poorly to available antipsychotic drugs, are the primary cause of this disability. Association of negative symptoms with cortical atrophy and cell loss is widely reported. Psychedelic drugs are undergoing a significant renaissance in psychiatric disorders with efficacy reported in several conditions including depression, in individuals facing terminal cancer, posttraumatic stress disorder, and addiction. There is considerable evidence from preclinical studies and some support from human studies that psychedelics enhance neuroplasticity. In this Perspective, we consider the possibility that psychedelic drugs could have a role in treating cortical atrophy and cell loss in schizophrenia, and ameliorating the negative symptoms associated with these pathological manifestations. The foremost concern in treating schizophrenia patients with psychedelic drugs is induction or exacerbation of psychosis. We consider several strategies that could be implemented to mitigate the danger of psychotogenic effects and allow treatment of schizophrenia patients with psychedelics to be implemented. These include use of non-hallucinogenic derivatives, which are currently the focus of intense study, implementation of sub-psychedelic or microdosing, harnessing of entourage effects in extracts of psychedelic mushrooms, and blocking 5-HT2A receptor-mediated hallucinogenic effects. Preclinical studies that employ appropriate animal models are a prerequisite and clinical studies will need to be carefully designed on the basis of preclinical and translational data. Careful research in this area could significantly impact the treatment of one of the most severe and socially debilitating psychiatric disorders and open an exciting new frontier in psychopharmacology.
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Dourron HM, Strauss C, Hendricks PS. Self-Entropic Broadening Theory: Toward a New Understanding of Self and Behavior Change Informed by Psychedelics and Psychosis. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:982-1027. [DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Odland AU, Kristensen JL, Andreasen JT. Animal Behavior in Psychedelic Research. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:1176-1205. [PMID: 36180111 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy holds great promise in the treatment of mental health disorders. Research into 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist psychedelic compounds has increased dramatically over the past two decades. In humans, these compounds produce drastic effects on consciousness, and their therapeutic potential relates to changes in the processing of emotional, social, and self-referential information. The use of animal behavior to study psychedelics is under debate, and this review provides a critical perspective on the translational value of animal behavior studies in psychedelic research. Acute activation of 5-HT2ARs produces head twitches and unique discriminative cues, disrupts sensorimotor gating, and stimulates motor activity while inhibiting exploration in rodents. The acute treatment with psychedelics shows discrepant results in conventional rodent tests of depression-like behaviors but generally induces anxiolytic-like effects and inhibits repetitive behavior in rodents. Psychedelics impair waiting impulsivity but show discrepant effects in other tests of cognitive function. Tests of social interaction also show conflicting results. Effects on measures of time perception depend on the experimental schedule. Lasting or delayed effects of psychedelics in rodent tests related to different behavioral domains appear to be rather sensitive to changes in experimental protocols. Studying the effects of psychedelics on animal behaviors of relevance to effects on psychiatric symptoms in humans, assessing lasting effects, publishing negative findings, and relating behaviors in rodents and humans to other more translatable readouts, such as neuroplastic changes, will improve the translational value of animal behavioral studies in psychedelic research. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin have received immense interest as potential new treatments of psychiatric disorders. Psychedelics change high-order consciousness in humans, and there is debate about the use of animal behavior studies to investigate these compounds. This review provides an overview of the behavioral effects of 5-HT2AR agonist psychedelics in laboratory animals and discusses the translatability of the effects in animals to effects in humans. Possible ways to improve the utility of animal behavior in psychedelic research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna U Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Favaro VM, Morais P, Sussulini A, Oliveira MGM. Effects of repeated ayahuasca administration on behaviour and c-Fos expression in male rats exposed to the open field. Behav Brain Res 2022; 427:113878. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Savino A, Nichols CD. Lysergic acid diethylamide induces increased signalling entropy in rats' prefrontal cortex. J Neurochem 2021; 162:9-23. [PMID: 34729786 PMCID: PMC9298798 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs are gaining attention from the scientific community as potential new compounds for the treatment of psychiatric diseases such as mood and substance use disorders. The 5‐HT2A receptor has been identified as the main molecular target, and early studies pointed to an effect on the expression of neuroplasticity genes. Analysing RNA‐seq data from the prefrontal cortex of rats chronically treated with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), we describe the psychedelic‐induced rewiring of gene co‐expression networks, which become less centralised but more complex, with an overall increase in signalling entropy typical of highly plastic systems. Intriguingly, signalling entropy mirrors, at the molecular level, the increased brain entropy reported through neuroimaging studies in human, suggesting the underlying mechanisms of higher‐order phenomena. Moreover, from the analysis of network topology, we identify potential transcriptional regulators and propose the involvement of different cell types in psychedelics’ activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Savino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Charles D Nichols
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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De Gregorio D, Aguilar-Valles A, Preller KH, Heifets BD, Hibicke M, Mitchell J, Gobbi G. Hallucinogens in Mental Health: Preclinical and Clinical Studies on LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine. J Neurosci 2021; 41:891-900. [PMID: 33257322 PMCID: PMC7880300 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1659-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A revamped interest in the study of hallucinogens has recently emerged, especially with regard to their potential application in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In the last decade, a plethora of preclinical and clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of ketamine in the treatment of depression. More recently, emerging evidence has pointed out the potential therapeutic properties of psilocybin and LSD, as well as their ability to modulate functional brain connectivity. Moreover, MDMA, a compound belonging to the family of entactogens, has been demonstrated to be useful to treat post-traumatic stress disorders. In this review, the pharmacology of hallucinogenic compounds is summarized by underscoring the differences between psychedelic and nonpsychedelic hallucinogens as well as entactogens, and their behavioral effects in both animals and humans are described. Together, these data substantiate the potentials of these compounds in treating mental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo De Gregorio
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Argel Aguilar-Valles
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris Dov Heifets
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Meghan Hibicke
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Jennifer Mitchell
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
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Bates MLS, Trujillo KA. Use and abuse of dissociative and psychedelic drugs in adolescence. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 203:173129. [PMID: 33515586 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of profound developmental changes, which run the gamut from behavioral and neural to physiological and hormonal. It is also a time at which there is an increased propensity to engage in risk-taking and impulsive behaviors like drug use. This review examines the human and preclinical literature on adolescent drug use and its consequences, with a focus on dissociatives (PCP, ketamine, DXM), classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin), and MDMA. It is the case for all the substances reviewed here that very little is known about their effects in adolescent populations. An emerging aspect of the literature is that dissociatives and MDMA produce mixed reinforcing and aversive effects and that the balance between reinforcement and aversion may differ between adolescents and adults, with consequences for drug use and addiction. However, many studies have failed to directly compare adults and adolescents, which precludes definitive conclusions about these consequences. Other important areas that are largely unexplored are sex differences during adolescence and the long-term consequences of adolescent use of these substances. We provide suggestions for future work to address the gaps we identified in the literature. Given the widespread use of these drugs among adolescent users, and the potential for therapeutic use, this work will be crucial to understanding abuse potential and consequences of use in this developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Shawn Bates
- Department of Psychology, California State University Chico, 400 W. First St, Chico, CA 95929, USA.
| | - Keith A Trujillo
- Department of Psychology and Office for Training, Research and Education in the Sciences (OTRES), California State University San Marcos, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, CA 92096, USA..
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12
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Sotiropoulos MG, Poulogiannopoulou E, Delis F, Dalla C, Antoniou K, Kokras N. Innovative screening models for the discovery of new schizophrenia drug therapies: an integrated approach. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:791-806. [PMID: 33467920 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1877657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder affecting millions worldwide. However, available treatment options do not fully address the disease. Whereas current antipsychotics may control psychotic symptoms, they seem notoriously ineffective in improving negative and cognitive symptoms or in preventing functional decline. As the etiology of schizophrenia eludes us, the development of valid animal models for screening new drug targets appears to be a strenuous task.Areas covered: In this review, the authors present the key concepts that validate animal models of schizophrenia, as well as the different screening approaches for novel schizophrenia treatments. The models covered are either based on major neurotransmitter systems or neurodevelopmental, immune, and genetic approaches.Expert opinion: Sadly, due to inertia, research focuses on developing 'anti-psychotics', instead of 'anti-schizophrenia' drugs that would tackle the entire syndrome of schizophrenia. Whereas no perfect model may ever exist, combining different experimental designs may enhance validity, as the over-reliance on a single model is inappropriate. Multi-model approaches incorporating vulnerability, the 'two-hit' hypothesis, and endophenotypes offer a promise for developing new strategies for schizophrenia treatment. Forward and reverse translation between preclinical and clinical research will increase the probability of success and limit failures in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinos G Sotiropoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Poulogiannopoulou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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13
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Inserra A, De Gregorio D, Gobbi G. Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 73:202-277. [PMID: 33328244 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests safety and efficacy of psychedelic compounds as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. Ketamine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in a new class of antidepressants, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is undergoing phase III clinical trials for post-traumatic stress disorder. Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are being investigated in several phase II and phase I clinical trials. Hence, the concept of psychedelics as therapeutics may be incorporated into modern society. Here, we discuss the main known neurobiological therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics, which are thought to be mediated by the effects of these compounds on the serotonergic (via 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors) and glutamatergic [via N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors] systems. We focus on 1) neuroplasticity mediated by the modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin-, brain-derived neurotrophic factor-, and early growth response-related pathways; 2) immunomodulation via effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, nuclear factor ĸB, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1, 6, and 10 production and release; and 3) modulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and norepinephrinergic receptors, transporters, and turnover systems. We discuss arising concerns and ways to assess potential neurobiological changes, dependence, and immunosuppression. Although larger cohorts are required to corroborate preliminary findings, the results obtained so far are promising and represent a critical opportunity for improvement of pharmacotherapies in psychiatry, an area that has seen limited therapeutic advancement in the last 20 years. Studies are underway that are trying to decouple the psychedelic effects from the therapeutic effects of these compounds. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelic compounds are emerging as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. However, understanding of molecular mechanisms mediating improvement remains limited. This paper reviews the available evidence concerning the effects of psychedelic compounds on pathways that modulate neuroplasticity, immunity, and neurotransmitter systems. This work aims to be a reference for psychiatrists who may soon be faced with the possibility of prescribing psychedelic compounds as medications, helping them assess which compound(s) and regimen could be most useful for decreasing specific psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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14
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Chi T, Gold JA. A review of emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. J Neurol Sci 2020; 411:116715. [PMID: 32044687 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Though there was initial interest in the use of psychedelic drugs for psychiatric treatment, bad outcomes and subsequent passage of the Substance Act of 1970, which placed psychedelic drugs in the Schedule I category, significantly limited potential progress. More recently, however, there has been renewal in interest and promise of psychedelic research. The purpose of this review is to highlight contemporary human studies on the use of select psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, LSD, MDMA and ayahuasca, in the treatment of various psychiatric illnesses, including but not limited to treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, end-of-life anxiety, and substance use disorders. The safety and efficacy as reported from human and animal studies will also be discussed. Accumulated research to date has suggested the potential for psychedelics to emerge as breakthrough therapies for psychiatric conditions refractory to conventional treatments. However, given the unique history and high potential for misuse with popular distribution, special care and considerations must be undertaken to safeguard their use as viable medical treatments rather than drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingying Chi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Jessica A Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, USA.
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15
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Halberstadt AL, Chatha M, Klein AK, Wallach J, Brandt SD. Correlation between the potency of hallucinogens in the mouse head-twitch response assay and their behavioral and subjective effects in other species. Neuropharmacology 2020; 167:107933. [PMID: 31917152 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Serotonergic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) induce head twitches in rodents via 5-HT2A receptor activation. The goal of the present investigation was to determine whether a correlation exists between the potency of hallucinogens in the mouse head-twitch response (HTR) paradigm and their reported potencies in other species, specifically rats and humans. Dose-response experiments were conducted with phenylalkylamine and tryptamine hallucinogens in C57BL/6J mice, enlarging the available pool of HTR potency data to 41 total compounds. For agents where human data are available (n = 36), a strong positive correlation (r = 0.9448) was found between HTR potencies in mice and reported hallucinogenic potencies in humans. HTR potencies were also found to be correlated with published drug discrimination ED50 values for substitution in rats trained with either LSD (r = 0.9484, n = 16) or 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (r = 0.9564, n = 21). All three of these behavioral effects (HTR in mice, hallucinogen discriminative stimulus effects in rats, and psychedelic effects in humans) have been linked to 5-HT2A receptor activation. We present evidence that hallucinogens induce these three effects with remarkably consistent potencies. In addition to having high construct validity, the HTR assay also appears to show significant predictive validity, confirming its translational relevance for predicting subjective potency of hallucinogens in humans. These findings support the use of the HTR paradigm as a preclinical model of hallucinogen psychopharmacology and in structure-activity relationship studies of hallucinogens. Future investigations with a larger number of test agents will evaluate whether the HTR assay can be used to predict the hallucinogenic potency of 5-HT2A agonists in humans. "This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Muhammad Chatha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Adam K Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jason Wallach
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Substance Use Disorders Institute, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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16
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Popik P, Krawczyk M, Kuziak A, Bugno R, Hogendorf A, Staroń J, Nikiforuk A. Serotonin type 5A receptor antagonists inhibit D-lysergic acid diethylamide discriminatory cue in rats. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1447-1455. [PMID: 31452444 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119867603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Like other psychedelics, D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) affects numerous serotonin receptors, and according to the current dogma, the 5-HT2A receptors are considered the main target for its hallucinogenic effects. LSD, however, also displays agonistic activity at the 5-HT5A receptors, which mediate some of LSD-induced behavioural effects. METHODS Using male Sprague Dawley rats, we examined the effects of 5-HT2A and 5-HT5A receptor antagonists on LSD-induced stimulus control in the two-lever drug discrimination test using a FR10 schedule of reinforcement. RESULTS In animals trained to discriminate 0.08 mg/kg LSD from vehicle 15 minutes after injection, LSD produced dose-related increases in response, with an ED50 (±95% confidence limits) of 0.0384 (± 0.025-0.051) mg/kg). LSD-like responses were observed when the training dose of LSD was given 5-30 but not 90 minutes before the test. Confirming earlier reports, the 5-HT antagonist ketanserin (2 mg/kg) attenuated the LSD response in 50% of rats, and due to pretreatment with 0.2 and 2 mg/kg MDL 100907, 63% and 67% of animals, respectively, failed to select the LSD lever. We then investigated the effects of two 5-HT5A receptor antagonists, and we found that 56% and 60% of rats pretreated with 3 and 10 mg/kg SB 699551, respectively, failed to select the LSD lever. Due to pretreatment with 0.01 mg/kg ASP 5736, 58% of rats did not select the LSD lever. This dose also reduced the response rate but not the number of rats failing to complete the test. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that antagonists of the 5-HT5A receptor may inhibit subjective effects of LSD in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Popik
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Martyna Krawczyk
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Kuziak
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ryszard Bugno
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adam Hogendorf
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jakub Staroń
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Nikiforuk
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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17
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Kuypers KPC, Ng L, Erritzoe D, Knudsen GM, Nichols CD, Nichols DE, Pani L, Soula A, Nutt D. Microdosing psychedelics: More questions than answers? An overview and suggestions for future research. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1039-1057. [PMID: 31303095 PMCID: PMC6732823 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119857204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past few years, the issue of 'microdosing' psychedelics has been openly discussed in the public arena where claims have been made about their positive effect on mood state and cognitive processes such as concentration. However, there are very few scientific studies that have specifically addressed this issue, and there is no agreed scientific consensus on what microdosing is. AIM This critique paper is designed to address questions that need to be answered by future scientific studies and to offer guidelines for these studies. APPROACH Owing to its proximity for a possible approval in clinical use and short-lasting pharmacokinetics, our focus is predominantly on psilocybin. Psilocybin is allegedly, next to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), one of the two most frequently used psychedelics to microdose. Where relevant and available, data for other psychedelic drugs are also mentioned. CONCLUSION It is concluded that while most anecdotal reports focus on the positive experiences with microdosing, future research should also focus on potential risks of (multiple) administrations of a psychedelic in low doses. To that end, (pre)clinical studies including biological (e.g. heart rate, receptor turnover and occupancy) as well as cognitive (e.g. memory, attention) parameters have to be conducted and will shed light on the potential negative consequences microdosing could have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim PC Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and
Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University,
Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Livia Ng
- Department of Psychology, University
College London, London, UK
| | - David Erritzoe
- Department of Psychology,
Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gitte M Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit,
Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charles D Nichols
- Department of Pharmacology and
Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New
Orleans, LA, USA
| | - David E Nichols
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy,
West Lafayette, LA, USA
| | - Luca Pani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences, Psychiatry University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic
& Neural Sciences, University of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - David Nutt
- Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial
College London, London, UK
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18
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Cameron L, Benson CJ, DeFelice BC, Fiehn O, Olson DE. Chronic, Intermittent Microdoses of the Psychedelic N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Produce Positive Effects on Mood and Anxiety in Rodents. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3261-3270. [PMID: 30829033 PMCID: PMC6639775 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs capable of ameliorating symptoms of depression and anxiety while also improving cognitive function and sociability are highly desirable. Anecdotal reports have suggested that serotonergic psychedelics administered in low doses on a chronic, intermittent schedule, so-called "microdosing", might produce beneficial effects on mood, anxiety, cognition, and social interaction. Here, we test this hypothesis by subjecting male and female Sprague Dawley rats to behavioral testing following the chronic, intermittent administration of low doses of the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The behavioral and cellular effects of this dosing regimen were distinct from those induced following a single high dose of the drug. We found that chronic, intermittent, low doses of DMT produced an antidepressant-like phenotype and enhanced fear extinction learning without impacting working memory or social interaction. Additionally, male rats treated with DMT on this schedule gained a significant amount of body weight during the course of the study. Taken together, our results suggest that psychedelic microdosing may alleviate symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, though the potential hazards of this practice warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay
P. Cameron
- Neuroscience
Graduate Program, University of California,
Davis, 1544 Newton Ct, Davis, California 95618, United States
| | - Charlie J. Benson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Brian C. DeFelice
- West
Coast Metabolomics Center, University of
California, Davis, One
Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Oliver Fiehn
- West
Coast Metabolomics Center, University of
California, Davis, One
Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
- Biochemistry
Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi-Arabia
| | - David E. Olson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2700 Stockton Blvd, Suite 2102, Sacramento, California 95817, United States
- Center for
Neuroscience, University of California,
Davis, 1544 Newton Ct, Davis, California 95618, United States
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19
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Jiang H, Xu H. RETRACTED: Long-term systemic treatment with lysergic acid diethylamide causes retinal damage in CD1 mice. Hum Exp Toxicol 2019; 38:347-355. [PMID: 30472895 DOI: 10.1177/0960327118814162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - H Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, People's Republic of China
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20
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Hu QD, Xu LL, Gong Y, Wu GH, Wang YW, Wu SJ, Zhang Z, Mao W, Zhou YS, Li QB, Yuan JS. Lysergic acid diethylamide causes photoreceptor cell damage through inducing inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2018; 37:233-239. [PMID: 29298533 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2018.1423620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Di Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling-Li Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo-Hai Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Wen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan-Jun Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Sheng Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin-Bo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Shu Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China
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21
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22
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Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2017; 38:992-1005. [PMID: 28947075 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin, exert profound effects on brain and behavior. After decades of difficulties in studying these compounds, psychedelics are again being tested as potential treatments for intractable biomedical disorders. Preclinical research of psychedelics complements human neuroimaging studies and pilot clinical trials, suggesting these compounds as promising treatments for addiction, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. However, many questions regarding the mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy of psychedelics remain. Here, we summarize recent preclinical and clinical data in this field, discuss their pharmacological mechanisms of action, and outline critical areas for future studies of psychedelic drugs, with the goal of maximizing the potential benefits of translational psychedelic biomedicine to patients.
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23
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Shevlin M, McElroy E, Murphy J, Hyland P, Vallieres F, Elklit A, Christoffersen M. Cannabis and psychosis: the impact of polydrug use. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY 2017. [DOI: 10.1108/dat-03-2017-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
While research has consistently identified an association between cannabis use and psychosis, few studies have examined this relationship in a polydrug context (i.e. combining cannabis with other illicit substances). The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study sought to examine the association between recreational drug use (cannabis only vs polydrug) and psychotic disorders. Analysis was conducted on a large, representative survey of young Danish people aged 24 (n=4,718). Participants completed self-report measures of lifetime drug use and this information was linked to the Danish psychiatric registry system.
Findings
Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between drug use (no drug use, cannabis only, cannabis and other drug) and ICD-10 psychotic disorders, while controlling for gender and parental history of psychosis. Compared with no drug use, the use of cannabis only did not increase the risk of psychosis while the odds ratio for cannabis and other drug were statistically significant.
Research limitations/implications
Psychosis risk may be associated with the cumulative effect of polydrug use.
Practical implications
Cannabis use may be a proxy for other drug use in research studies.
Originality/value
This study is innovative as it uses linked self-report and administrative data for a large sample. Administrative data were used to as an objective mental health status indicator.
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Ham S, Kim TK, Chung S, Im HI. Drug Abuse and Psychosis: New Insights into Drug-induced Psychosis. Exp Neurobiol 2017; 26:11-24. [PMID: 28243163 PMCID: PMC5326711 DOI: 10.5607/en.2017.26.1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Addictive drug use or prescribed medicine abuse can cause psychosis. Some representative symptoms frequently elicited by patients with psychosis are hallucination, anhedonia, and disrupted executive functions. These psychoses are categorized into three classifications of symptoms: positive, negative, and cognitive. The symptoms of DIP are not different from the symptoms of schizophrenia, and it is difficult to distinguish between them. Due to this ambiguity of distinction between the DIP and schizophrenia, the DIP animal model has been frequently used as the schizophrenia animal model. However, although the symptoms may be the same, its causes are clearly different in that DIP is acquired and schizophrenia is heritable. Therefore, in this review, we cover several DIP models such as of amphetamine, PCP/ketamine, scopolamine, and LSD, and then we also address three schizophrenia models through a genetic approach with a new perspective that distinguishes DIP from schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suji Ham
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea.; Department of Neuroscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Tae Kyoo Kim
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea.; Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston 02215, USA
| | - Sooyoung Chung
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Heh-In Im
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea.; Department of Neuroscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Korea.; Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
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25
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Abstract
The classic serotonergic hallucinogens, or psychedelics, have the ability to profoundly alter perception and behavior. These can include visual distortions, hallucinations, detachment from reality, and mystical experiences. Some psychedelics, like LSD, are able to produce these effects with remarkably low doses of drug. Others, like psilocybin, have recently been demonstrated to have significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and addiction that persist for at least several months after only a single therapeutic session. How does this occur? Much work has recently been published from imaging studies showing that psychedelics alter brain network connectivity. They facilitate a disintegration of the default mode network, producing a hyperconnectivity between brain regions that allow centers that do not normally communicate with each other to do so. The immediate and acute effects on both behaviors and network connectivity are likely mediated by effector pathways downstream of serotonin 5-HT2A receptor activation. These acute molecular processes also influence gene expression changes, which likely influence synaptic plasticity and facilitate more long-term changes in brain neurochemistry ultimately underlying the therapeutic efficacy of a single administration to achieve long-lasting effects. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the molecular genetic responses to psychedelics within the brain and discuss how gene expression changes may contribute to altered cellular physiology and behaviors.
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26
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De Gregorio D, Comai S, Posa L, Gobbi G. d-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) as a Model of Psychosis: Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1953. [PMID: 27886063 PMCID: PMC5133947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
d-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is known for its hallucinogenic properties and psychotic-like symptoms, especially at high doses. It is indeed used as a pharmacological model of psychosis in preclinical research. The goal of this review was to understand the mechanism of action of psychotic-like effects of LSD. We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and articles' reference lists for preclinical studies regarding the mechanism of action involved in the psychotic-like effects induced by LSD. LSD's mechanism of action is pleiotropic, primarily mediated by the serotonergic system in the Dorsal Raphe, binding the 5-HT2A receptor as a partial agonist and 5-HT1A as an agonist. LSD also modulates the Ventral Tegmental Area, at higher doses, by stimulating dopamine D₂, Trace Amine Associate receptor 1 (TAAR₁) and 5-HT2A. More studies clarifying the mechanism of action of the psychotic-like symptoms or psychosis induced by LSD in humans are needed. LSD's effects are mediated by a pleiotropic mechanism involving serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Thus, the LSD-induced psychosis is a useful model to test the therapeutic efficacy of potential novel antipsychotic drugs, particularly drugs with dual serotonergic and dopaminergic (DA) mechanism or acting on TAAR₁ receptors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antipsychotic Agents/pharmacology
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dopamine/metabolism
- Dopamine/pharmacology
- Dorsal Raphe Nucleus/drug effects
- Dorsal Raphe Nucleus/metabolism
- Dorsal Raphe Nucleus/physiopathology
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Hallucinogens/metabolism
- Hallucinogens/pharmacology
- Humans
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide/metabolism
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide/pharmacology
- Psychotic Disorders/drug therapy
- Psychotic Disorders/metabolism
- Psychotic Disorders/physiopathology
- Rats
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, Glutamate/metabolism
- Serotonin Receptor Agonists/metabolism
- Serotonin Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Synaptic Transmission/drug effects
- Ventral Tegmental Area/drug effects
- Ventral Tegmental Area/metabolism
- Ventral Tegmental Area/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
| | - Stefano Comai
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
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27
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Abstract
Psychedelics (serotonergic hallucinogens) are powerful psychoactive substances that alter perception and mood and affect numerous cognitive processes. They are generally considered physiologically safe and do not lead to dependence or addiction. Their origin predates written history, and they were employed by early cultures in many sociocultural and ritual contexts. After the virtually contemporaneous discovery of (5R,8R)-(+)-lysergic acid-N,N-diethylamide (LSD)-25 and the identification of serotonin in the brain, early research focused intensively on the possibility that LSD and other psychedelics had a serotonergic basis for their action. Today there is a consensus that psychedelics are agonists or partial agonists at brain serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptors, with particular importance on those expressed on apical dendrites of neocortical pyramidal cells in layer V. Several useful rodent models have been developed over the years to help unravel the neurochemical correlates of serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor activation in the brain, and a variety of imaging techniques have been employed to identify key brain areas that are directly affected by psychedelics. Recent and exciting developments in the field have occurred in clinical research, where several double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2 studies of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in patients with cancer-related psychosocial distress have demonstrated unprecedented positive relief of anxiety and depression. Two small pilot studies of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy also have shown positive benefit in treating both alcohol and nicotine addiction. Recently, blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging and magnetoencephalography have been employed for in vivo brain imaging in humans after administration of a psychedelic, and results indicate that intravenously administered psilocybin and LSD produce decreases in oscillatory power in areas of the brain's default mode network.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Nichols
- Eschelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Korpi ER, den Hollander B, Farooq U, Vashchinkina E, Rajkumar R, Nutt DJ, Hyytiä P, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:872-1004. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Bouso JC, Palhano-Fontes F, Rodríguez-Fornells A, Ribeiro S, Sanches R, Crippa JAS, Hallak JEC, de Araujo DB, Riba J. Long-term use of psychedelic drugs is associated with differences in brain structure and personality in humans. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:483-92. [PMID: 25637267 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelic agents have a long history of use by humans for their capacity to induce profound modifications in perception, emotion and cognitive processes. Despite increasing knowledge of the neural mechanisms involved in the acute effects of these drugs, the impact of sustained psychedelic use on the human brain remains largely unknown. Molecular pharmacology studies have shown that psychedelic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT)2A agonists stimulate neurotrophic and transcription factors associated with synaptic plasticity. These data suggest that psychedelics could potentially induce structural changes in brain tissue. Here we looked for differences in cortical thickness (CT) in regular users of psychedelics. We obtained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of the brains of 22 regular users of ayahuasca (a preparation whose active principle is the psychedelic 5HT2A agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)) and 22 controls matched for age, sex, years of education, verbal IQ and fluid IQ. Ayahuasca users showed significant CT differences in midline structures of the brain, with thinning in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a key node of the default mode network. CT values in the PCC were inversely correlated with the intensity and duration of prior use of ayahuasca and with scores on self-transcendence, a personality trait measuring religiousness, transpersonal feelings and spirituality. Although direct causation cannot be established, these data suggest that regular use of psychedelic drugs could potentially lead to structural changes in brain areas supporting attentional processes, self-referential thought, and internal mentation. These changes could underlie the previously reported personality changes in long-term users and highlight the involvement of the PCC in the effects of psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Bouso
- Human Neuropsychopharmacology Group, Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research (IIB-Sant Pau), C/Sant Antoni María Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Service, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernanda Palhano-Fontes
- Brain Institute/Hospital Universitario Onofre Lopes, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Antoni Rodríguez-Fornells
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Group, IDIBELL (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08097, Spain; Department of Basic Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute/Hospital Universitario Onofre Lopes, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Rafael Sanches
- Neuroscience and Behaviour Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre S Crippa
- Neuroscience and Behaviour Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Neuroscience and Behaviour Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Draulio B de Araujo
- Brain Institute/Hospital Universitario Onofre Lopes, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Jordi Riba
- Human Neuropsychopharmacology Group, Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research (IIB-Sant Pau), C/Sant Antoni María Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; Centre d'Investigació de Medicaments, Servei de Farmacologia Clínica, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Farmacologia i Terapèutica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain.
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder with positive, negative and cognitive symptom domains. Approximately one third of patients are resistant to currently available medication. New therapeutic targets and a better understanding of the basic biological processes that drive pathogenesis are needed in order to develop therapies that will improve quality of life for these patients. Several drugs that act on neurotransmitter systems in the brain have been suggested to model aspects of schizophrenia in animals and in man. In this paper, we selectively review findings from dopaminergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, cannabinoid, GABA, cholinergic and kappa opioid pharmacological drug models to evaluate their similarity to schizophrenia. Understanding the interactions between these different neurotransmitter systems and their relationship with symptoms will be an important step towards building a coherent hypothesis for the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Steeds
- Imperial College London, Division of Brain Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | | | - James M Stone
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK, Imperial College London, Division of Brain Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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31
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Janowsky A, Eshleman AJ, Johnson RA, Wolfrum KM, Hinrichs DJ, Yang J, Zabriskie TM, Smilkstein MJ, Riscoe MK. Mefloquine and psychotomimetics share neurotransmitter receptor and transporter interactions in vitro. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:2771-83. [PMID: 24488404 PMCID: PMC4097020 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Mefloquine is used for the prevention and treatment of chloroquine-resistant malaria, but its use is associated with nightmares, hallucinations, and exacerbation of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. We hypothesized that potential mechanisms of action for the adverse psychotropic effects of mefloquine resemble those of other known psychotomimetics. OBJECTIVES Using in vitro radioligand binding and functional assays, we examined the interaction of (+)- and (-)-mefloquine enantiomers, the non-psychotomimetic anti-malarial agent, chloroquine, and several hallucinogens and psychostimulants with recombinant human neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. RESULTS Hallucinogens and mefloquine bound stereoselectively and with relatively high affinity (K i = 0.71-341 nM) to serotonin (5-HT) 2A but not 5-HT1A or 5-HT2C receptors. Mefloquine but not chloroquine was a partial 5-HT2A agonist and a full 5-HT2C agonist, stimulating inositol phosphate accumulation, with similar potency and efficacy as the hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT). 5-HT receptor antagonists blocked mefloquine's effects. Mefloquine had low or no affinity for dopamine D1, D2, D3, and D4.4 receptors, or dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. However, mefloquine was a very low potency antagonist at the D3 receptor and mefloquine but not chloroquine or hallucinogens blocked [(3)H]5-HT uptake by the 5-HT transporter. CONCLUSIONS Mefloquine, but not chloroquine, shares an in vitro receptor interaction profile with some hallucinogens and this neurochemistry may be relevant to the adverse neuropsychiatric effects associated with mefloquine use by a small percentage of patients. Additionally, evaluating interactions with this panel of receptors and transporters may be useful for characterizing effects of other psychotropic drugs and for avoiding psychotomimetic effects for new pharmacotherapies, including antimalarial quinolines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Janowsky
- Research Service (R&D22), VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA,
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Millan MJ, Fone K, Steckler T, Horan WP. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia: clinical characteristics, pathophysiological substrates, experimental models and prospects for improved treatment. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:645-92. [PMID: 24820238 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex and multifactorial disorder generally diagnosed in young adults at the time of the first psychotic episode of delusions and hallucinations. These positive symptoms can be controlled in most patients by currently-available antipsychotics. Conversely, they are poorly effective against concomitant neurocognitive dysfunction, deficits in social cognition and negative symptoms (NS), which strongly contribute to poor functional outcome. The precise notion of NS has evolved over the past century, with recent studies - underpinned by novel rating methods - suggesting two major sub-domains: "decreased emotional expression", incorporating blunted affect and poverty of speech, and "avolition", which embraces amotivation, asociality and "anhedonia" (inability to anticipate pleasure). Recent studies implicate a dysfunction of frontocortico-temporal networks in the aetiology of NS, together with a disruption of cortico-striatal circuits, though other structures are also involved, like the insular and parietal cortices, amygdala and thalamus. At the cellular level, a disruption of GABAergic-glutamatergic balance, dopaminergic signalling and, possibly, oxytocinergic and cannibinoidergic transmission may be involved. Several agents are currently under clinical investigation for the potentially improved control of NS, including oxytocin itself, N-Methyl-d-Aspartate receptor modulators and minocycline. Further, magnetic-electrical "stimulation" strategies to recruit cortical circuits and "cognitive-behavioural-psychosocial" therapies likewise hold promise. To acquire novel insights into the causes and treatment of NS, experimental study is crucial, and opportunities are emerging for improved genetic, pharmacological and developmental modelling, together with more refined readouts related to deficits in reward, sociality and "expression". The present article comprises an integrative overview of the above issues as a platform for this Special Issue of European Neuropsychopharmacology in which five clinical and five preclinical articles treat individual themes in greater detail. This Volume provides, then, a framework for progress in the understanding - and ultimately control - of the debilitating NS of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Millan
- Pole of Innovation in Neuropsychiatry, Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, Paris, France.
| | - Kevin Fone
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen׳s Medical Centre, Nottingham University, Nottingham NG72UH, UK
| | - Thomas Steckler
- Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - William P Horan
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, University of California, Los Angeles, MIRECC 210A, Bldg. 210, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
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Martin DA, Marona-Lewicka D, Nichols DE, Nichols CD. Chronic LSD alters gene expression profiles in the mPFC relevant to schizophrenia. Neuropharmacology 2014; 83:1-8. [PMID: 24704148 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic administration of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) every other day to rats results in a variety of abnormal behaviors. These build over the 90 day course of treatment and can persist at full strength for at least several months after cessation of treatment. The behaviors are consistent with those observed in animal models of schizophrenia and include hyperactivity, reduced sucrose-preference, and decreased social interaction. In order to elucidate molecular changes that underlie these aberrant behaviors, we chronically treated rats with LSD and performed RNA-sequencing on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), an area highly associated with both the actions of LSD and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and other psychiatric illnesses. We observed widespread changes in the neurogenetic state of treated animals four weeks after cessation of LSD treatment. QPCR was used to validate a subset of gene expression changes observed with RNA-Seq, and confirmed a significant correlation between the two methods. Functional clustering analysis indicates differentially expressed genes are enriched in pathways involving neurotransmission (Drd2, Gabrb1), synaptic plasticity (Nr2a, Krox20), energy metabolism (Atp5d, Ndufa1) and neuropeptide signaling (Npy, Bdnf), among others. Many processes identified as altered by chronic LSD are also implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, and genes affected by LSD are enriched with putative schizophrenia genes. Our results provide a relatively comprehensive analysis of mPFC transcriptional regulation in response to chronic LSD, and indicate that the long-term effects of LSD may bear relevance to psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Martin
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Danuta Marona-Lewicka
- Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - David E Nichols
- Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Charles D Nichols
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Abstract
Psychosis is an abnormal mental state characterized by disorganization, delusions and hallucinations. Animal models have become an increasingly important research tool in the effort to understand both the underlying pathophysiology and treatment of psychosis. There are multiple animal models for psychosis, with each formed by the coupling of a manipulation and a measurement. In this manuscript we do not address the diseases of which psychosis is a prominent comorbidity. Instead, we summarize the current state of affairs and future directions for animal models of psychosis. To accomplish this, our manuscript will first discuss relevant behavioral and electrophysiological measurements. We then provide an overview of the different manipulations that are combined with these measurements to produce animal models. The strengths and limitations of each model will be addressed in order to evaluate its cross-species comparability.
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Tylš F, Páleníček T, Horáček J. Psilocybin--summary of knowledge and new perspectives. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:342-56. [PMID: 24444771 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Psilocybin, a psychoactive alkaloid contained in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is nowadays given a lot of attention in the scientific community as a research tool for modeling psychosis as well as due to its potential therapeutic effects. However, it is also a very popular and frequently abused natural hallucinogen. This review summarizes all the past and recent knowledge on psilocybin. It briefly deals with its history, discusses the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and compares its action in humans and animals. It attempts to describe the mechanism of psychedelic effects and objectify its action using modern imaging and psychometric methods. Finally, it describes its therapeutic and abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Tylš
- Prague Psychiatric Center, Prague, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Tomáš Páleníček
- Prague Psychiatric Center, Prague, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Horáček
- Prague Psychiatric Center, Prague, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic
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Stewart AM, Kalueff AV. The behavioral effects of acute Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and heroin (diacetylmorphine) exposure in adult zebrafish. Brain Res 2013; 1543:109-19. [PMID: 24216135 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of psychotropic drugs in clinical and translational brain research continues to grow, and the need for novel experimental models and screens is becoming widely recognized. Mounting evidence supports the utility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for studying various pharmacological manipulations, as an alternative model complementing the existing rodent paradigms in this field. Here, we explore the effects of acute 20-min exposure to two commonly abused psychotropic compounds, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and heroin, on adult zebrafish behavior in the novel tank test. Overall, THC administration (30 and 50 mg/L) produces an anxiogenic-like reduction of top swimming, paralleled with a slower, continuous bottom swimming. In contrast, heroin exposure (15 and 25 mg/L) evoked a hyperlocomotor response (with rapid bouts of bottom swimming and frequent 'bouncing' motions) without altering anxiety-sensitive top/bottom endpoints. The behavioral effects of these two compounds in zebrafish seem to parallel the respective rodent and human findings. Collectively, this emphasizes the growing significance of novel emerging aquatic models in translational drug abuse research and small molecule screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) and ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) and ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell 70458, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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37
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Leading compounds for the validation of animal models of psychopathology. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 354:309-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1692-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Serotonin-glutamate and serotonin-dopamine reciprocal interactions as putative molecular targets for novel antipsychotic treatments: from receptor heterodimers to postsynaptic scaffolding and effector proteins. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013. [PMID: 23179966 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The physical and functional interactions between serotonin-glutamate and serotonin-dopamine signaling have been suggested to be involved in psychosis pathophysiology and are supposed to be relevant for antipsychotic treatment. Type II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptors have been reported to form heterodimers that modulate G-protein-mediated intracellular signaling differentially compared to mGluR2 and 5-HT(2A) homomers. Additionally, direct evidence has been provided that D(2) and 5-HT(2A) receptors form physical heterocomplexes which exert a functional cross-talk, as demonstrated by studies on hallucinogen-induced signaling. Moving from receptors to postsynaptic density (PSD) scenario, the scaffolding protein PSD-95 is known to interact with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), D(2) and 5-HT(2) receptors, regulating their activation state. Homer1a, the inducible member of the Homer family of PSD proteins that is implicated in glutamatergic signal transduction, is induced in striatum by antipsychotics with high dopamine receptor affinity and in the cortex by antipsychotics with mixed serotonergic/dopaminergic profile. Signaling molecules, such as Akt and glycogen-synthase-kinase-3 (GSK-3), could be involved in the mechanism of action of antipsychotics, targeting dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate neurotransmission. Altogether, these proteins stand at the crossroad of glutamate-dopamine-serotonin signaling pathways and may be considered as valuable molecular targets for current and new antipsychotics. The aim of this review is to provide a critical appraisal on serotonin-glutamate and serotonin-dopamine interplay to support the idea that next generation schizophrenia pharmacotherapy should not exclusively rely on receptor targeting strategies.
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Kyzar EJ, Collins C, Gaikwad S, Green J, Roth A, Monnig L, El-Ounsi M, Davis A, Freeman A, Capezio N, Stewart AM, Kalueff AV. Effects of hallucinogenic agents mescaline and phencyclidine on zebrafish behavior and physiology. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 37:194-202. [PMID: 22251567 PMCID: PMC3294104 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mescaline and phencyclidine (PCP) are potent hallucinogenic agents affecting human and animal behavior. As their psychotropic effects remain poorly understood, further research is necessary to characterize phenotypes they evoke in various animal models. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are rapidly emerging as a new model organism for neuroscience research. Here, we examine the effects of mescaline (5-20mg/l) and PCP (0.5-3mg/l) in several zebrafish paradigms, including the novel tank, open field and shoaling tests. Mescaline and PCP dose-dependently increased top activity in the novel tank test, also reducing immobility and disrupting the patterning of zebrafish swimming, as assessed by ethograms. PCP, but not mescaline, evoked circling behavior in the open field test. At the highest doses tested, mescaline markedly increased, while PCP did not affect, zebrafish shoaling behavior. Finally, 20mg/l mescaline did not alter, and 3mg/l PCP elevated, whole-body cortisol levels. Overall, our studies indicate high sensitivity of zebrafish models to hallucinogenic compounds with complex behavioral and physiological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Allan V. Kalueff
- Corresponding Author: Allan V. Kalueff, PhD, Department of Pharmacology, Room SL-83, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. Tel/Fax.: +1 504 988 3354.
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