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The neural basis of psychedelic action.
Alex C Kwan1,2,3, David E Olson4,5,6, Katrin H Preller7
1Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA. alex.kwan@cornell.edu.
Nature Neuroscience
|October 25, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics, acting as serotonin 2A receptor agonists, profoundly alter perception and mood. This review details their neurobiology, from chemistry to network effects, offering insights into drug discovery and behavior modification.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Psychedelics are potent psychoactive compounds.
- Serotonin 2A receptors are key targets for psychedelic action.
- Understanding neurobiological mechanisms is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental neurobiology of psychedelic drug action.
- To synthesize knowledge across multiple levels of analysis.
- To inform theories of psychedelic effects on behavior.
Main Methods:
- Review of chemical properties, receptor interactions, and signaling pathways.
- Analysis of effects on neuronal dynamics, gene expression, and plasticity.
- Synthesis of neuroimaging findings on brain connectivity.
Main Results:
- Psychedelics exhibit diverse chemistry influencing potency and pharmacokinetics.
- They modulate neuronal activity, gene expression, and structural plasticity.
- Neuroimaging reveals impacts on association cortices and thalamocortical connectivity.
Conclusions:
- Psychedelics exert complex effects on the brain at molecular, neuronal, and network levels.
- These mechanisms explain both acute and enduring behavioral changes.
- This integrative perspective aids in understanding psychedelic action and drug discovery.
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