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Olson RJ, Bartlett L, Sonneborn A, Milton R, Bretton-Granatoor Z, Firdous A, Harris AZ, Abbas AI. Decoupling of cortical activity from behavioral state following administration of the classic psychedelic DOI. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110030. [PMID: 38851531 PMCID: PMC11260522 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Administration or consumption of classic psychedelics (CPs) leads to profound changes in experience which are often described as highly novel and meaningful. They have shown substantial promise in treating depressive symptoms and may be therapeutic in other situations. Although research suggests that the therapeutic response is correlated with the intensity of the experience, the neural circuit basis for the alterations in experience caused by CPs requires further study. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), where CPs have been shown to induce rapid, 5-HT2A receptor-dependent structural and neurophysiological changes, is believed to be a key site of action. To investigate the acute neural circuit changes induced by CPs, we recorded single neurons and local field potentials in the mPFC of freely behaving male mice after administration of the 5-HT2A/2C receptor-selective CP, 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI). We segregated recordings into active and rest periods in order to examine cortical activity during desynchronized (active) and synchronized (rest) states. We found that DOI induced a robust decrease in low frequency power when animals were at rest, attenuating the usual synchronization that occurs during less active behavioral states. DOI also increased broadband gamma power and suppressed activity in fast-spiking neurons in both active and rest periods. Together, these results suggest that the CP DOI induces persistent desynchronization in mPFC, including during rest when mPFC typically exhibits more synchronized activity. This shift in cortical dynamics may in part underlie the longer-lasting effects of CPs on plasticity, and may be critical to their therapeutic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall J Olson
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, USA
| | - Lowell Bartlett
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, USA
| | - Alex Sonneborn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, USA
| | - Russell Milton
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, USA
| | | | - Ayesha Firdous
- Division of Integrative Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10034, USA
| | - Alexander Z Harris
- Division of Integrative Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10034, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10034, USA
| | - Atheir I Abbas
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, USA; VA Portland Health Care System, Portland OR, 97239, USA.
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Rucker JJ, Roberts C, Seynaeve M, Young AH, Suttle B, Yamamoto T, Ermakova AO, Dunbar F, Wiegand F. Phase 1, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose trial to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and effect on altered states of consciousness of intranasal BPL-003 (5-methoxy- N,N-dimethyltryptamine benzoate) in healthy participants. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:712-723. [PMID: 38616411 PMCID: PMC11311898 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241246857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of BPL-003, a novel intranasal benzoate salt formulation of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), in healthy participants. METHODS In all, 44 psychedelic-naïve participants enrolled in the double-blind, placebo-controlled single ascending dose study (1-12 mg BPL-003). Concentrations of 5-MeO-DMT and its pharmacologically active metabolite, bufotenine, were determined in plasma and urine. PD endpoints included subjective drug intensity (SDI) rating, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI). RESULTS BPL-003 was well tolerated at doses up to 12 mg. There were no serious adverse events (AEs), and most AEs were mild; the most common being nasal discomfort, nausea, headache and vomiting. 5-MeO-DMT was rapidly absorbed and eliminated; the median time to peak plasma concentration was approximately 8-10 min and the mean terminal elimination half-life was <27 min. 5-MeO-DMT systemic exposure increased approximately dose-proportionally, while plasma bufotenine concentrations and urinary excretion of 5-MeO-DMT and bufotenine were negligible. The intensity of the SDI ratings was associated with plasma 5-MeO-DMT concentrations. MEQ-30 and EDI scores generally increased with the BPL-003 dose; 60% of participants had a 'complete mystical experience' at 10 and 12 mg doses. Profound and highly emotional consciousness-altering effects were observed with BPL-003, with a rapid onset and short-lasting duration. CONCLUSION The novel intranasal formulation of BPL-003 was well tolerated with dose-proportional increases in PK and PD effects. The short duration of action and induction of mystical experiences suggest clinical potential, warranting further trials. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05347849.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Jonathan Rucker
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, Kent, UK
| | | | - Mathieu Seynaeve
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Beckley Psytech Ltd, Oxford, UK
| | - Allan H. Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, Kent, UK
| | | | | | - Anna O. Ermakova
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Beckley Psytech Ltd, Oxford, UK
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Nogueira M, Ferreira Golbert DC, Menezes R, Nóbrega de Almeida R, Galvão-Coelho NL, Siroky AN, Lima TZ, Maia H, Leão KE, Leão RN. Serotonergic psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT alters plasticity-related gene expression and generates anxiolytic effects in stressed mice. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02655-w. [PMID: 38969716 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02655-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics have potential therapeutic effects in treating anxiety and mood disorders, often after a single dose, and are suggested to have plasticity-inducing action. However, a comprehensive mechanism of action is still lacking. Here, we investigated how a single dose of the short-acting 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) acts on gene expression from microdissected brain regions (anterior cingulate cortex - ACC; basolateral amygdala - BLA; ventral hippocampus CA1 region - vCA1 and dentate gyrus-DG) of naive and stressed mice. Specifically, we compared gene expression of Arc, Zif268, BDNF, CREB, mTORC1, NR2A, TRIP8b, and NFkB in mice injected with 5-MeO-DMT or saline at different time points (1 h, 5 h, or 5 days prior). 5-MeO-DMT altered mRNA expression of immediate early genes Arc and ZiF268 in the ACC, BLA, and vCA1, while NR2A expression was decreased after 5 h in the vCA1. We also found a long-term increase in TRIP8b, a gene related to the modulation of neuronal activity, in the vCA1 after 5 days. Behaviorally, 5-MeO-DMT treated mice showed mixed anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects in the elevated plus maze and open field test 24 h or 5 days after treatment. However, pre-treated mice subjected to acute stress showed both lower corticosterone levels and robust anxiolytic effects of 5-MeO-DMT administration. Together, our findings provide insights into the molecular actions of 5-MeO-DMT in the brain related to anxiolytic effects of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareth Nogueira
- Neurodynamics Lab, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Hearing and Neuronal Activity Lab, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Daiane C Ferreira Golbert
- Neurodynamics Lab, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Sleep, Dreams and Memory Laboratory, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Richardson Menezes
- Automation and Robotics Laboratory, School of Science and Technology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Nóbrega de Almeida
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Nicole L Galvão-Coelho
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Andressa N Siroky
- Department of Statistics, Exact and Earth Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Thiago Z Lima
- Hearing and Neuronal Activity Lab, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Department of Statistics, Exact and Earth Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Helton Maia
- Automation and Robotics Laboratory, School of Science and Technology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Katarina E Leão
- Hearing and Neuronal Activity Lab, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
| | - Richardson N Leão
- Neurodynamics Lab, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
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Souza AC, Souza BC, França A, Moradi M, Souza NC, Leão KE, Tort ABL, Leão RN, Lopes-Dos-Santos V, Ribeiro S. 5-MeO-DMT induces sleep-like LFP spectral signatures in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of awake rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11281. [PMID: 38760450 PMCID: PMC11101617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61474-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent classical psychedelic known to induce changes in locomotion, behaviour, and sleep in rodents. However, there is limited knowledge regarding its acute neurophysiological effects. Local field potentials (LFPs) are commonly used as a proxy for neural activity, but previous studies investigating psychedelics have been hindered by confounding effects of behavioural changes and anaesthesia, which alter these signals. To address this gap, we investigated acute LFP changes in the hippocampus (HP) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of freely behaving rats, following 5-MeO-DMT administration. 5-MeO-DMT led to an increase of delta power and a decrease of theta power in the HP LFPs, which could not be accounted for by changes in locomotion. Furthermore, we observed a dose-dependent reduction in slow (20-50 Hz) and mid (50-100 Hz) gamma power, as well as in theta phase modulation, even after controlling for the effects of speed and theta power. State map analysis of the spectral profile of waking behaviour induced by 5-MeO-DMT revealed similarities to electrophysiological states observed during slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. Our findings suggest that the psychoactive effects of classical psychedelics are associated with the integration of waking behaviours with sleep-like spectral patterns in LFPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie C Souza
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, USA
| | - Bryan C Souza
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur França
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marzieh Moradi
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nicholy C Souza
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Katarina E Leão
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Adriano B L Tort
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Richardson N Leão
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Vítor Lopes-Dos-Santos
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
- Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
- Center for Strategic Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Tap SC. The potential of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A first look at therapeutic mechanisms of action. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13386. [PMID: 38600715 PMCID: PMC11007263 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders worldwide with high economic costs. Current treatment options show modest efficacy and relapse rates are high. Furthermore, there are increases in the treatment gap and few new medications have been approved in the past 20 years. Recently, psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide has garnered significant attention in the treatment of AUD. Yet, they require significant amounts of therapist input due to prolonged subjective effects (~4-12 h) leading to high costs and impeding implementation. Accordingly, there is an increasing interest in the rapid and short-acting psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). This paper offers a first look at potential therapeutic mechanisms for AUD by reviewing the current literature on 5-MeO-DMT. Primarily, 5-MeO-DMT is able to induce mystical experiences and ego-dissolution together with increases in psychological flexibility and mindfulness. This could decrease AUD symptoms through the alleviation of psychiatric mood-related comorbidities consistent with the negative reinforcement and self-medication paradigms. In addition, preliminary evidence indicates that 5-MeO-DMT modulates neural oscillations that might subserve ego-dissolution (increases in gamma), psychological flexibility and mindfulness (increases in theta), and the reorganization of executive control networks (increases in coherence across frequencies) that could improve emotion regulation and inhibition. Finally, animal studies show that 5-MeO-DMT is characterized by neuroplasticity, anti-inflammation, 5-HT2A receptor agonism, and downregulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 with clinical implications for AUD and psychiatric mood-related comorbidities. The paper concludes with several recommendations for future research to establish the purported therapeutic mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan C. Tap
- Department of PsychiatryGroningen University Medical CenterGroningenThe Netherlands
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6
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Hatzipantelis CJ, Olson DE. The Effects of Psychedelics on Neuronal Physiology. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:27-47. [PMID: 37931171 PMCID: PMC10922499 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-020923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics are quite unique among drugs that impact the central nervous system, as a single administration of a psychedelic can both rapidly alter subjective experience in profound ways and produce sustained effects on circuits relevant to mood, fear, reward, and cognitive flexibility. These remarkable properties are a direct result of psychedelics interacting with several key neuroreceptors distributed across the brain. Stimulation of these receptors activates a variety of signaling cascades that ultimately culminate in changes in neuronal structure and function. Here, we describe the effects of psychedelics on neuronal physiology, highlighting their acute effects on serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as their long-lasting effects on structural and functional neuroplasticity in the cortex. We propose that the neurobiological changes leading to the acute and sustained effects of psychedelics might be distinct, which could provide opportunities for engineering compounds with optimized safety and efficacy profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J Hatzipantelis
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - David E Olson
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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7
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Qin Y, Zhao J, Yang Y, Liu Y, Xiang H, Tong J, Huang C. Association of HTR1A Gene Polymorphisms with Efficacy and Plasma Concentrations of Atypical Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Male Patients with Schizophrenia. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:185-193. [PMID: 38312123 PMCID: PMC10838100 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s449096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose We investigate the association of HTR1A rs10042486 and rs6295 with efficacy and plasma concentrations of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of male patients with schizophrenia. Patients and Methods A total of 140 male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who were treated with any single atypical antipsychotic between May 2020 and May 2022 were retrospectively included. Clinical symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). All SNPs were typed using Agena Bioscience MassARRAY DNA mass spectrometry. Plasma concentrations of antipsychotics at week 3, 6 and 12 after treatment commence were analyzed using mass spectrometry. Results For efficacy of atypical antipsychotics, we observed no significant difference between HTR1A rs10042486, rs6295 and positive symptom improvement, where the patients with heterozygous mutant at the rs10042486 and rs6295 locus were superior to those with wild-type or homozygous mutant genotypes on negative symptom improvement, especially at 12 weeks of follow-up when the difference between genotypes at the rs6295 locus have statistical significance (P = 0.037). For plasma concentration, we found that quetiapine plasma concentrations were significantly lower in patients with mutation-heterozygous types than in wild-type and homozygous mutation genotypes at week 6. In contrast, higher plasma concentrations were found for mutant heterozygous than wild genotypes in the risperidone monotherapy analysis, and the difference among genotypes at the rs6295 locus was statistically significant at 6 weeks of follow-up. Conclusion The assessment of the correlation of genetic polymorphisms of HTR1A rs6295 and rs10042486 in male patients with schizophrenia with the monitoring of therapeutic drug concentrations and therapeutic efficacy provides a constructive foundation for the clinical individualization of antipsychotics, such as quetiapine and risperidone, which is important in selecting the dose of the medication and improving the improvement of negative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, the Second People’s Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, the Second People’s Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, the Second People’s Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanjing Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, the Second People’s Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Department of Psychology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingfeng Tong
- Shanghai Conlight Medical Laboratory, Co, Ltd, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengchen Huang
- Shanghai Conlight Medical Laboratory, Co, Ltd, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
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Toker D, Müller E, Miyamoto H, Riga MS, Lladó-Pelfort L, Yamakawa K, Artigas F, Shine JM, Hudson AE, Pouratian N, Monti MM. Criticality supports cross-frequency cortical-thalamic information transfer during conscious states. eLife 2024; 13:e86547. [PMID: 38180472 PMCID: PMC10805384 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Consciousness is thought to be regulated by bidirectional information transfer between the cortex and thalamus, but the nature of this bidirectional communication - and its possible disruption in unconsciousness - remains poorly understood. Here, we present two main findings elucidating mechanisms of corticothalamic information transfer during conscious states. First, we identify a highly preserved spectral channel of cortical-thalamic communication that is present during conscious states, but which is diminished during the loss of consciousness and enhanced during psychedelic states. Specifically, we show that in humans, mice, and rats, information sent from either the cortex or thalamus via δ/θ/α waves (∼1-13 Hz) is consistently encoded by the other brain region by high γ waves (52-104 Hz); moreover, unconsciousness induced by propofol anesthesia or generalized spike-and-wave seizures diminishes this cross-frequency communication, whereas the psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) enhances this low-to-high frequency interregional communication. Second, we leverage numerical simulations and neural electrophysiology recordings from the thalamus and cortex of human patients, rats, and mice to show that these changes in cross-frequency cortical-thalamic information transfer may be mediated by excursions of low-frequency thalamocortical electrodynamics toward/away from edge-of-chaos criticality, or the phase transition from stability to chaos. Overall, our findings link thalamic-cortical communication to consciousness, and further offer a novel, mathematically well-defined framework to explain the disruption to thalamic-cortical information transfer during unconscious states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Toker
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Eli Müller
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Hiroyuki Miyamoto
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain ScienceSaitamaJapan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology AgencySaitamaJapan
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence, University of TokyoNagoyaJapan
| | - Maurizio S Riga
- Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative MedicineSevilleSpain
| | - Laia Lladó-Pelfort
- Departament de Ciències Bàsiques, Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de CatalunyaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain ScienceSaitamaJapan
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Genetics, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical ScienceNagoyaJapan
| | - Francesc Artigas
- Departament de Neurociències i Terapèutica Experimental, CSIC-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - James M Shine
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Andrew E Hudson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Nader Pouratian
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Martin M Monti
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
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Ivan VE, Tomàs-Cuesta DP, Esteves IM, Curic D, Mohajerani M, McNaughton BL, Davidsen J, Gruber AJ. The Nonclassic Psychedelic Ibogaine Disrupts Cognitive Maps. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:275-283. [PMID: 38298796 PMCID: PMC10829624 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The ability of psychedelic compounds to profoundly alter mental function has been long known, but the underlying changes in cellular-level information encoding remain poorly understood. Methods We used two-photon microscopy to record from the retrosplenial cortex in head-fixed mice running on a treadmill before and after injection of the nonclassic psychedelic ibogaine (40 mg/kg intraperitoneally). Results We found that the cognitive map, formed by the representation of position encoded by ensembles of individual neurons in the retrosplenial cortex, was destabilized by ibogaine when mice had to infer position between tactile landmarks. This corresponded with increased neural activity rates, loss of correlation structure, and increased responses to cues. Ibogaine had surprisingly little effect on the size-frequency distribution of network activity events, suggesting that signal propagation within the retrosplenial cortex was largely unaffected. Conclusions Taken together, these data support proposals that compounds with psychedelic properties disrupt representations that are important for constraining neocortical activity, thereby increasing the entropy of neural signaling. Furthermore, the loss of expected position encoding between landmarks recapitulated effects of hippocampal impairment, suggesting that disruption of cognitive maps or other hippocampal processing may be a contributing mechanism of discoordinated neocortical activity in psychedelic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victorita E. Ivan
- Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - David P. Tomàs-Cuesta
- Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ingrid M. Esteves
- Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Davor Curic
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Majid Mohajerani
- Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bruce L. McNaughton
- Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Joern Davidsen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aaron J. Gruber
- Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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10
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Heifets BD, Olson DE. Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:104-118. [PMID: 37488282 PMCID: PMC10700553 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01666-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that psychedelics and entactogens may produce both rapid and sustained therapeutic effects across several indications. Currently, there is a disconnect between how these compounds are used in the clinic and how they are studied in preclinical species, which has led to a gap in our mechanistic understanding of how these compounds might positively impact mental health. Human studies have emphasized extra-pharmacological factors that could modulate psychedelic-induced therapeutic responses including set, setting, and integration-factors that are poorly modelled in current animal experiments. In contrast, animal studies have focused on changes in neuronal activation and structural plasticity-outcomes that are challenging to measure in humans. Here, we describe several hypotheses that might explain how psychedelics rescue neuropsychiatric disease symptoms, and we propose ways to bridge the gap between human and rodent studies. Given the diverse pharmacological profiles of psychedelics and entactogens, we suggest that their rapid and sustained therapeutic mechanisms of action might best be described by the collection of circuits that they modulate rather than their actions at any single molecular target. Thus, approaches focusing on selective circuit modulation of behavioral phenotypes might prove more fruitful than target-based methods for identifying novel compounds with rapid and sustained therapeutic effects similar to psychedelics and entactogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris D Heifets
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - David E Olson
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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11
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Onofrj M, Russo M, Delli Pizzi S, De Gregorio D, Inserra A, Gobbi G, Sensi SL. The central role of the Thalamus in psychosis, lessons from neurodegenerative diseases and psychedelics. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:384. [PMID: 38092757 PMCID: PMC10719401 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02691-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The PD-DLB psychosis complex found in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) includes hallucinations, Somatic Symptom/Functional Disorders, and delusions. These disorders exhibit similar presentation patterns and progression. Mechanisms at the root of these symptoms also share similarities with processes promoting altered states of consciousness found in Rapid Eye Movement sleep, psychiatric disorders, or the intake of psychedelic compounds. We propose that these mechanisms find a crucial driver and trigger in the dysregulated activity of high-order thalamic nuclei set in motion by ThalamoCortical Dysrhythmia (TCD). TCD generates the loss of finely tuned cortico-cortical modulations promoted by the thalamus and unleashes the aberrant activity of the Default Mode Network (DMN). TCD moves in parallel with altered thalamic filtering of external and internal information. The process produces an input overload to the cortex, thereby exacerbating DMN decoupling from task-positive networks. These phenomena alter the brain metastability, creating dreamlike, dissociative, or altered states of consciousness. In support of this hypothesis, mind-altering psychedelic drugs also modulate thalamic-cortical pathways. Understanding the pathophysiological background of these conditions provides a conceptual bridge between neurology and psychiatry, thereby helping to generate a promising and converging area of investigation and therapeutic efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Onofrj
- Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technology-ITAB University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Mirella Russo
- Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technology-ITAB University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Delli Pizzi
- Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technology-ITAB University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technology-ITAB University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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12
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Tylš F, Vejmola Č, Koudelka V, Piorecká V, Kadeřábek L, Bochin M, Novák T, Kuchař M, Bendová Z, Brunovský M, Horáček J, Pálení ček T. Underlying pharmacological mechanisms of psilocin-induced broadband desynchronization and disconnection of EEG in rats. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1152578. [PMID: 37425017 PMCID: PMC10325866 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1152578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Psilocybin is one of the most extensively studied psychedelic drugs with a broad therapeutic potential. Despite the fact that its psychoactivity is mainly attributed to the agonism at 5-HT2A receptors, it has high binding affinity also to 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors and indirectly modulates the dopaminergic system. Psilocybin and its active metabolite psilocin, as well as other serotonergic psychedelics, induce broadband desynchronization and disconnection in EEG in humans as well as in animals. The contribution of serotonergic and dopaminergic mechanisms underlying these changes is not clear. The present study thus aims to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms underlying psilocin-induced broadband desynchronization and disconnection in an animal model. Methods Selective antagonists of serotonin receptors (5-HT1A WAY100635, 5-HT2A MDL100907, 5-HT2C SB242084) and antipsychotics haloperidol, a D2 antagonist, and clozapine, a mixed D2 and 5-HT receptor antagonist, were used in order to clarify the underlying pharmacology. Results Psilocin-induced broadband decrease in the mean absolute EEG power was normalized by all antagonists and antipsychotics used within the frequency range 1-25 Hz; however, decreases in 25-40 Hz were influenced only by clozapine. Psilocin-induced decrease in global functional connectivity and, specifically, fronto-temporal disconnection were reversed by the 5-HT2A antagonist while other drugs had no effect. Discussion These findings suggest the involvement of all three serotonergic receptors studied as well as the role of dopaminergic mechanisms in power spectra/current density with only the 5-HT2A receptor being effective in both studied metrics. This opens an important discussion on the role of other than 5-HT2A-dependent mechanisms underlying the neurobiology of psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Tylš
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Čestmír Vejmola
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vlastimil Koudelka
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Václava Piorecká
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czechia
| | - Lukáš Kadeřábek
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Marcel Bochin
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Novák
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Kuchař
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Zdeňka Bendová
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Martin Brunovský
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Horáček
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Pálení ček
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
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13
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Frohlich J, Mediano PAM, Bavato F, Gharabaghi A. Paradoxical pharmacological dissociations result from drugs that enhance delta oscillations but preserve consciousness. Commun Biol 2023; 6:654. [PMID: 37340024 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-frequency (<4 Hz) neural activity, particularly in the delta band, is generally indicative of loss of consciousness and cortical down states, particularly when it is diffuse and high amplitude. Remarkably, however, drug challenge studies of several diverse classes of pharmacological agents-including drugs which treat epilepsy, activate GABAB receptors, block acetylcholine receptors, or produce psychedelic effects-demonstrate neural activity resembling cortical down states even as the participants remain conscious. Of those substances that are safe to use in healthy volunteers, some may be highly valuable research tools for investigating which neural activity patterns are sufficient for consciousness or its absence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Frohlich
- Institute for Neuromodulation and Neurotechnology, University Hospital and University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Pedro A M Mediano
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesco Bavato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alireza Gharabaghi
- Institute for Neuromodulation and Neurotechnology, University Hospital and University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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14
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Calder AE, Hasler G. Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:104-112. [PMID: 36123427 PMCID: PMC9700802 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01389-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Classic psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, and the DMT-containing beverage ayahuasca, show some potential to treat depression, anxiety, and addiction. Importantly, clinical improvements can last for months or years after treatment. It has been theorized that these long-term improvements arise because psychedelics rapidly and lastingly stimulate neuroplasticity. The focus of this review is on answering specific questions about the effects of psychedelics on neuroplasticity. Firstly, we review the evidence that psychedelics promote neuroplasticity and examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the effects of different psychedelics on different aspects of neuroplasticity, including dendritogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and expression of plasticity-related genes (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor and immediate early genes). We then examine where in the brain psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, particularly discussing the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. We also examine what doses are required to produce this effect (e.g., hallucinogenic doses vs. "microdoses"), and how long purported changes in neuroplasticity last. Finally, we discuss the likely consequences of psychedelics' effects on neuroplasticity for both patients and healthy people, and we identify important research questions that would further scientific understanding of psychedelics' effects on neuroplasticity and its potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E. Calder
- grid.8534.a0000 0004 0478 1713University Center for Psychiatric Research, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Hasler
- University Center for Psychiatric Research, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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15
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Molecular Pathways of the Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca, a Botanical Psychedelic and Potential Rapid-Acting Antidepressant. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111618. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew traditionally used in indigenous and religious rituals and ceremonies in South America for its therapeutic, psychedelic, and entheogenic effects. It is usually prepared by lengthy boiling of the leaves of the bush Psychotria viridis and the mashed stalks of the vine Banisteriopsis caapi in water. The former contains the classical psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is thought to be the main psychoactive alkaloid present in the brew. The latter serves as a source for β-carbolines, known for their monoamine oxidase-inhibiting (MAOI) properties. Recent preliminary research has provided encouraging results investigating ayahuasca’s therapeutic potential, especially regarding its antidepressant effects. On a molecular level, pre-clinical and clinical evidence points to a complex pharmacological profile conveyed by the brew, including modulation of serotoninergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and endocannabinoid systems. Its substances also interact with the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1), and sigma-1 receptors. Furthermore, ayahuasca’s components also seem to modulate levels of inflammatory and neurotrophic factors beneficially. On a biological level, this translates into neuroprotective and neuroplastic effects. Here we review the current knowledge regarding these molecular interactions and how they relate to the possible antidepressant effects ayahuasca seems to produce.
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16
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Smausz R, Neill J, Gigg J. Neural mechanisms underlying psilocybin's therapeutic potential - the need for preclinical in vivo electrophysiology. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:781-793. [PMID: 35638159 PMCID: PMC9247433 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221092508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound with profound perception-, emotion- and cognition-altering properties and great potential for treating brain disorders. However, the neural mechanisms mediating its effects require in-depth investigation as there is still much to learn about how psychedelic drugs produce their profound and long-lasting effects. In this review, we outline the current understanding of the neurophysiology of psilocybin's psychoactive properties, highlighting the need for additional preclinical studies to determine its effect on neural network dynamics. We first describe how psilocybin's effect on brain regions associated with the default-mode network (DMN), particularly the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, likely plays a key role in mediating its consciousness-altering properties. We then outline the specific receptor and cell types involved and discuss contradictory evidence from neuroimaging studies regarding psilocybin's net effect on activity within these regions. We go on to argue that in vivo electrophysiology is ideally suited to provide a more holistic, neural network analysis approach to understand psilocybin's mode of action. Thus, we integrate information about the neural bases for oscillatory activity generation with the accumulating evidence about psychedelic drug effects on neural synchrony within DMN-associated areas. This approach will help to generate important questions for future preclinical and clinical studies. Answers to these questions are vital for determining the neural mechanisms mediating psilocybin's psychotherapeutic potential, which promises to improve outcomes for patients with severe depression and other difficulty to treat conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Smausz
- Division of Neuroscience and
Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The
University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Joanna Neill
- Division of Pharmacy and
Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of
Manchester, Manchester, UK,Medical Psychedelics Working
Group, Drug Science, UK
| | - John Gigg
- Division of Neuroscience and
Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The
University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,John Gigg, Division of Neuroscience
and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health,
The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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17
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Redinbaugh MJ, Afrasiabi M, Phillips JM, Kambi NA, Mohanta S, Raz A, Saalmann YB. Thalamic deep brain stimulation paradigm to reduce consciousness: Cortico-striatal dynamics implicated in mechanisms of consciousness. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010294. [PMID: 35816488 PMCID: PMC9321468 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Anesthetic manipulations provide much-needed causal evidence for neural correlates of consciousness, but non-specific drug effects complicate their interpretation. Evidence suggests that thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) can either increase or decrease consciousness, depending on the stimulation target and parameters. The putative role of the central lateral thalamus (CL) in consciousness makes it an ideal DBS target to manipulate circuit-level mechanisms in cortico-striato-thalamic (CST) systems, thereby influencing consciousness and related processes. We used multi-microelectrode DBS targeted to CL in macaques while recording from frontal, parietal, and striatal regions. DBS induced episodes of abnormally long, vacant staring with low-frequency oscillations here termed vacant, perturbed consciousness (VPC). DBS modulated VPC likelihood in a frequency-specific manner. VPC events corresponded to decreases in measures of neural complexity (entropy) and integration (Φ*), proposed indices of consciousness, and substantial changes to communication in CST circuits. During VPC, power spectral density and coherence at low frequencies increased across CST circuits, especially in thalamo-parietal and cortico-striatal pathways. Decreased consciousness and neural integration corresponded to shifts in cortico-striatal network configurations that dissociated parietal and subcortical structures. Overall, the features of VPC and implicated networks were similar to those of absence epilepsy. As this same multi-microelectrode DBS method-but at different stimulation frequencies-can also increase consciousness in anesthetized macaques, it can be used to flexibly address questions of consciousness with limited confounds, as well as inform clinical investigations of other consciousness disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J. Redinbaugh
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mohsen Afrasiabi
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. Phillips
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Niranjan A. Kambi
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sounak Mohanta
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Aeyal Raz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel; Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuri B. Saalmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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18
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Metabolomics and integrated network analysis reveal roles of endocannabinoids and large neutral amino acid balance in the ayahuasca experience. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112845. [PMID: 35339828 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a renewed interest in the potential use of psychedelics for the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanism of action and molecular pathways influenced by ayahuasca use in humans. Therefore, for the first time, our study aims to investigate the human metabolomics signature after consumption of a psychedelic, ayahuasca, and its connection with both the psychedelic-induced subjective effects and the plasma concentrations of ayahuasca alkaloids. Plasma samples of 23 individuals were collected both before and after ayahuasca consumption. Samples were analysed through targeted metabolomics and further integrated with subjective ratings of the ayahuasca experience (i.e., using the 5-Dimension Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale [ASC]), and plasma ayahuasca-alkaloids using integrated network analysis. Metabolic pathways enrichment analysis using diffusion algorithms for specific KEGG modules was performed on the metabolic output. Compared to baseline, the consumption of ayahuasca increased N-acyl-ethanolamine endocannabinoids, decreased 2-acyl-glycerol endocannabinoids, and altered several large-neutral amino acids (LNAAs). Integrated network results indicated that most of the LNAAs were inversely associated with 9 out of the 11 subscales of the ASC, except for tryptophan which was positively associated. Several endocannabinoids and hexosylceramides were directly associated with the ayahuasca alkaloids. Enrichment analysis confirmed dysregulation in several pathways involved in neurotransmission such as serotonin and dopamine synthesis. In conclusion, a crosstalk between the circulating LNAAs and the subjective effects is suggested, which is independent of the alkaloid concentrations and provides insights into the specific metabolic fingerprint and mechanism of action underlying ayahuasca experiences.
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19
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Abstract
BACKGROUND 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a naturally occurring, short-acting psychedelic tryptamine, produced by a variety of plant and animal species. Plants containing 5-MeO-DMT have been used throughout history for ritual and spiritual purposes. The aim of this article is to review the available literature about 5-MeO-DMT and inform subsequent clinical development. METHODS We searched PubMed database for articles about 5-MeO-DMT. Search results were cross-checked against earlier reviews and reference lists were hand searched. Findings were synthesised using a narrative synthesis approach. This review covers the pharmacology, chemistry and metabolism of 5-MeO-DMT, as well epidemiological studies, and reported adverse and beneficial effects. RESULTS 5-MeO-DMT is serotonergic agonist, with highest affinity for 5-HT1A receptors. It was studied in a variety of animal models, but clinical studies with humans are lacking. Epidemiological studies indicate that, like other psychedelics, 5-MeO-DMT induces profound alterations in consciousness (including mystical experiences), with potential beneficial long-term effects on mental health and well-being. CONCLUSION 5-MeO-DMT is a potentially useful addition to the psychedelic pharmacopoeia because of its short duration of action, relative lack of visual effects and putatively higher rates of ego-dissolution and mystical experiences. We conclude that further clinical exploration is warranted, using similar precautions as with other classic psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna O Ermakova
- Beckley Psytech, Beckley, UK
- Psychedelic Trials Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - James Rucker
- Psychedelic Trials Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew W Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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20
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Thomas CW, Blanco-Duque C, Bréant BJ, Goodwin GM, Sharp T, Bannerman DM, Vyazovskiy VV. Psilocin acutely alters sleep-wake architecture and cortical brain activity in laboratory mice. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:77. [PMID: 35197453 PMCID: PMC8866416 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01846-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelic drugs, such as psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), profoundly alter the quality of consciousness through mechanisms which are incompletely understood. Growing evidence suggests that a single psychedelic experience can positively impact long-term psychological well-being, with relevance for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including depression. A prominent factor associated with psychiatric disorders is disturbed sleep, and the sleep-wake cycle is implicated in the homeostatic regulation of neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent psychedelic agents directly affect sleep, in terms of both acute arousal and homeostatic sleep regulation. Here, chronic electrophysiological recordings were obtained in mice to track sleep-wake architecture and cortical activity after psilocin injection. Administration of psilocin led to delayed REM sleep onset and reduced NREM sleep maintenance for up to approximately 3 h after dosing, and the acute EEG response was associated primarily with an enhanced oscillation around 4 Hz. No long-term changes in sleep-wake quantity were found. When combined with sleep deprivation, psilocin did not alter the dynamics of homeostatic sleep rebound during the subsequent recovery period, as reflected in both sleep amount and EEG slow-wave activity. However, psilocin decreased the recovery rate of sleep slow-wave activity following sleep deprivation in the local field potentials of electrodes targeting the medial prefrontal and surrounding cortex. It is concluded that psilocin affects both global vigilance state control and local sleep homeostasis, an effect which may be relevant for its antidepressant efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Thomas
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cristina Blanco-Duque
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin J. Bréant
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Guy M. Goodwin
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Trevor Sharp
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David M. Bannerman
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vladyslav V. Vyazovskiy
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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21
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Reckweg JT, Uthaug MV, Szabo A, Davis AK, Lancelotta R, Mason NL, Ramaekers JG. The clinical pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). J Neurochem 2022; 162:128-146. [PMID: 35149998 PMCID: PMC9314805 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine that primarily acts as an agonist at the 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2A receptors, whereby affinity for the 5‐HT1A subtype is highest. Subjective effects following 5‐MeO‐DMT administration include distortions in auditory and time perception, amplification of emotional states, and feelings of ego dissolution that usually are short‐lasting, depending on the route of administration. Individual dose escalation of 5‐MeO‐DMT reliably induces a “peak” experience, a state thought to be a core predictor of the therapeutic efficacy of psychedelics. Observational studies and surveys have suggested that single exposure to 5‐MeO‐DMT can cause rapid and sustained reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. 5‐MeO‐DMT also stimulates neuroendocrine function, immunoregulation, and anti‐inflammatory processes, which may contribute to changes in mental health outcomes. To date, only one clinical trial has been published on 5‐MeO‐DMT, demonstrating the safety of vaporized dosing up to 18 mg. Importantly, the rapid onset and short duration of the 5‐MeO‐DMT experience may render it more suitable for individual dose‐finding strategies compared with longer‐acting psychedelics. A range of biotech companies has shown an interest in the development of 5‐MeO‐DMT formulations for a range of medical indications, most notably depression. Commercial development will therefore be the most important resource for bringing 5‐MeO‐DMT to the clinic. However, fundamental research will also be needed to increase understanding of the neurophysiological and neural mechanisms that contribute to the potential clinical effects of 5‐MeO‐DMT and its sustainability and dissemination over time. Such studies are less likely to be conducted as part of drug development programs and are more likely to rely on independent, academic initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Reckweg
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dept of Neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - M V Uthaug
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dept of Neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - A Szabo
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - A K Davis
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R Lancelotta
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - N L Mason
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dept of Neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - J G Ramaekers
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dept of Neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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22
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Lukasiewicz K, Baker JJ, Zuo Y, Lu J. Serotonergic Psychedelics in Neural Plasticity. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:748359. [PMID: 34712118 PMCID: PMC8545892 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.748359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychedelics, compounds that can induce dramatic changes in conscious experience, have been used by humans for centuries. Recent studies have shown that certain psychedelics can induce neural plasticity by promoting neurite growth and synapse formation. In this review, we focus on the role of classical serotonergic psychedelics in neural plasticity and discuss its implication for their therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Lukasiewicz
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Jacob J Baker
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Yi Zuo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Ju Lu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
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23
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Comparison of the modulatory effects of three structurally similar potential prebiotic substrates on an in vitro multi-species oral biofilm. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15033. [PMID: 34294810 PMCID: PMC8298493 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94510-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research identified potential prebiotic substrates for oral health like the structural analogues N-acetyl-D-mannosamine (NADM) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NADG). The main hypothesis of the current study was twofold. Firstly, it was hypothesized that the modulatory effects of NADM are not limited to changes in multi-species oral biofilm composition, but also include effects on metabolism, virulence, and inflammatory potential. Secondly, the presence and orientation of their N-acetyl group could play a role. Therefore, a comparison was made between the effects of NADM, NADG and D-(+)-mannose on multi-species oral biofilms. Besides a beneficial compositional shift, NADM-treated biofilms also showed an altered metabolism, a reduced virulence and a decreased inflammatory potential. At a substrate concentration of 1 M, these effects were pronounced for all biofilm aspects, whereas at ~ 0.05 M (1%(w/v)) only the effects on virulence were pronounced. When comparing between substrates, both the presence and orientation of the N-acetyl group played a role. However, this was generally only at 1 M and dependent on the biofilm aspect. Overall, NADM was found to have different effects at two concentrations that beneficially modulate in vitro multi-species oral biofilm composition, metabolism, virulence and inflammatory potential. The presence and orientation of the N-acetyl group influenced these effects.
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Artin H, Zisook S, Ramanathan D. How do serotonergic psychedelics treat depression: The potential role of neuroplasticity. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:201-214. [PMID: 34168967 PMCID: PMC8209538 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i6.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a common mental disorder and one of the leading causes of disability around the world. Monoaminergic antidepressants often take weeks to months to work and are not effective for all patients. This has led to a search for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of depression as well as to the development of novel antidepressants. One such novel antidepressant is ketamine, which has demonstrated both clinically promising results and contributed to new explanatory models of depression, including the potential role of neuroplasticity in depression. Early clinical trials are now showing promising results of serotonergic psychedelics for depression; however, their mechanism of action remains poorly understood. This paper seeks to review the effect of depression, classic antidepressants, ketamine, and serotonergic psychedelics on markers of neuroplasticity at a cellular, molecular, electrophysiological, functional, structural, and psychological level to explore the potential role that neuroplasticity plays in the treatment response of serotonergic psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hewa Artin
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Sidney Zisook
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, United States
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Department of Psychiatry, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States
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25
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Szkudlarek HJ, Rodríguez-Ruiz M, Hudson R, De Felice M, Jung T, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. THC and CBD produce divergent effects on perception and panic behaviours via distinct cortical molecular pathways. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110029. [PMID: 32623021 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and pre-clinical evidence demonstrates divergent psychotropic effects of THC vs. CBD. While THC can induce perceptual distortions and anxiogenic effects, CBD displays antipsychotic and anxiolytic properties. A key brain region responsible for regulation of cognition and affect, the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), is strongly modulated by cannabinoids, suggesting that these dissociable THC/CBD-dependent effects may involve functional and molecular interplay within the PFC. The primary aim of this study was to investigate potential interactions and molecular substrates involved in PFC-mediated effects of THC and CBD on differential cognitive and affective behavioural processing. Male Sprague Dawley rats received intra-PFC microinfusions of THC, CBD or their combination, and tested in the latent inhibition paradigm, spontaneous oddity discrimination test, elevated T-maze and open field. To identify local, drug-induced molecular modulation in the PFC, PFC samples were collected and processed with Western Blotting. Intra-PFC THC induced strong panic-like responses that were counteracted with CBD. In contrast, CBD did not affect panic-like behaviours but blocked formation of associative fear memories and impaired latent inhibition and oddity discrimination performance. Interestingly, these CBD effects were dependent upon 5-HT1A receptor transmission but not influenced by THC co-administration. Moreover, THC induced robust phosphorylation of ERK1/2 that was prevented by CBD, while CBD decreased phosphorylation of p70S6K, independently of THC. These results suggest that intra-PFC infusion of THC promotes panic-like behaviour associated with increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast, CBD impairs perceptive functions and latent inhibition via activation of 5-HT1A receptors and reduced phosphorylation of p70S6K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada.
| | - Mar Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Tony Jung
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry. Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry. Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada.
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26
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Sub-chronic vortioxetine (but not escitalopram) normalizes brain rhythm alterations and memory deficits induced by serotonin depletion in rats. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108238. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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27
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Thompson C, Szabo A. Psychedelics as a novel approach to treating autoimmune conditions. Immunol Lett 2020; 228:45-54. [PMID: 33035575 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With a rise in the incidence of autoimmune diseases (AiD), health care providers continue to seek out more efficacious treatment approaches for the AiD patient population. Classic serotonergic psychedelics have recently been gaining public and professional interest as novel interventions to a number of mental health afflictions. Psychedelics have also been shown to be able to modulate immune functions, however, while there has been great interest to researching into their psychotherapeutic applications, there has so far been very little exploration into the potential to treat inflammatory and immune-related diseases with these compounds. A handful of studies from a variety of fields suggest that psychedelics do indeed have effects in the body that may attenuate the outcome of AiD. This literature review explores existing evidence that psychedelic compounds may offer a potential novel application in the treatment of pathologies related to autoimmunity. We propose that psychedelics hold the potential to attenuate or even resolve autoimmunity by targeting psychosomatic origins, maladaptive chronic stress responses, inflammatory pathways, immune modulation and enteric microbiome populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Attila Szabo
- NORMENT Center of Excellence (CoE), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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28
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Heal DJ, Henningfield J, Frenguelli BG, Nutt DJ, Smith SL. Psychedelics – Re-opening the doors of perception. Neuropharmacology 2018; 142:1-6. [PMID: 30144477 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J Heal
- RenaSci Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham NG1 1GF, UK; Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Jack Henningfield
- Pinney Associates, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | | | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, W12 0NN, UK.
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29
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The renaissance in psychedelic research: What do preclinical models have to offer. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 242:25-67. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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