Gestational psychedelic exposure disrupts brain development and offspring behavior in mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Psychedelic use is increasing, yet prenatal exposure effects are unknown.
• Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a prominent psychedelic compound.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the consequences of prenatal psychedelic exposure on embryonic development and offspring neurobiology.
• To determine if maternal LSD crosses the placenta and affects the embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Main Methods:

• Mice were administered lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) during gestation.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue were analyzed at various embryonic and postnatal stages.
• Neurodevelopmental and behavioral assessments were conducted on adult offspring.

Main Results:

• Maternal LSD crossed the placenta and entered embryonic CSF rapidly.
• Exposure induced changes in choroid plexus, CSF protein, and cortical organization.
• Prenatal LSD exposure led to altered neuronal identities, increased microglia, and behavioral deficits in adult offspring, predominantly in males.

Conclusions:

• The choroid plexus acts as an interface detecting maternal psychedelics.
• Prenatal psychedelic exposure via CSF access causes enduring neurodevelopmental and behavioral consequences.
• Findings highlight risks associated with maternal psychedelic use during pregnancy.