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Author Spotlight: Assessment of Environmental and Drug-Induced Behavioral Changes in Adult Zebrafish
Published on: November 3, 2023
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Psychedelic-induced behavioral and developmental effects on zebrafish: a systematic review.
Arthur L de Oliveira1, Danielle P de Oliveira2, Rafael G Dos Santos3
1Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|October 22, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics show a safe toxicological profile in zebrafish at low doses, with no major developmental abnormalities observed. However, long-term neurodevelopmental effects in offspring remain unclear and require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psychedelics show therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Limited data exists on psychedelic developmental toxicity and behavioral effects in non-rodent models.
- Zebrafish offer a valuable vertebrate model for assessing these parameters due to conserved pathways and practical advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the developmental toxicity and behavioral effects of psychedelics.
- To evaluate the suitability of zebrafish as a model for psychedelic research.
- To synthesize current knowledge on the safety and potential risks of psychedelic exposure.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of 13 articles.
- Analysis of studies assessing morphological and behavioral changes in zebrafish embryos, larvae, and adults after psychedelic exposure.
- Inclusion of various psychedelics: ayahuasca, DMT, ibogaine, LSD, MDMA, mescaline, noribogaine, psilocybin, and psilocin.
Main Results:
- Psychedelics generally did not cause morphological abnormalities in zebrafish embryos/larvae.
- High concentrations of ayahuasca led to edema and increased mortality.
- Developmental exposure to ibogaine, MDMA, and LSD was linked to locomotor impairments.
- DMT, psilocybin, and psilocin demonstrated anxiolytic effects in larvae.
- Adult zebrafish showed reduced anxiety following exposure to LSD, MDMA, mescaline, and noribogaine.
Conclusions:
- Psychedelics exhibit a favorable toxicological profile at low concentrations in zebrafish.
- The potential for psychedelics to induce neurodevelopmental deficits in offspring requires further research.
- Comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the long-term adverse effects of psychedelic exposure during development.
