Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics
Published on: July 23, 2020
Altered states: psychedelics and anesthetics.
Eduardo E Icaza1, George A Mashour
1* Resident, † Associate Chair for Faculty Affairs, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Neurosurgery, Department of Anesthesiology; Faculty, Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and anesthetics both decrease brain activity and connectivity, leading to altered states of consciousness. This study explores the shared neural mechanisms between these distinct drug classes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The neural underpinnings of psychedelic experiences remain largely unexplored.
- Altered states of consciousness have been historically documented across cultures.
Observation:
- A recent neuroimaging study on psilocybin showed reduced cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity.
- This pattern mirrors changes observed under general anesthesia.
Findings:
- Psychedelics and anesthetics induce similar neurobiological effects, including decreased brain activity.
- Both drug classes lead to functional disconnections within the brain.
Implications:
- Understanding shared mechanisms can inform research into consciousness and therapeutic applications.
- This comparison offers new perspectives on drug-induced altered states of consciousness.
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