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Related Concept Videos

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics01:27

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents01:22

CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents

Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
Long-term Potentiation01:35

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Long-term Potentiation01:25

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Neuroplasticity01:01

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
Long-term Depression01:03

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Microtransplantation of Synaptic Membranes to Reactivate Human Synaptic Receptors for Functional Studies
10:08

Microtransplantation of Synaptic Membranes to Reactivate Human Synaptic Receptors for Functional Studies

Published on: July 20, 2022

Psilocybin's effect on human brain synaptic plasticity.

Annette Johansen1,2, Pontus Plavén-Sigray1,3, Martin K Madsen1,4

  • 1Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Translational Psychiatry
|July 15, 2026
PubMed
Summary

A single dose of psilocybin did not significantly increase synaptic density in healthy individuals. However, a therapeutic setting enhanced mystical experiences and synaptic density compared to an MRI scanner.

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Microtransplantation of Synaptic Membranes to Reactivate Human Synaptic Receptors for Functional Studies
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Investigating Long-term Synaptic Plasticity in Interlamellar Hippocampus CA1 by Electrophysiological Field Recording
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Investigating Long-term Synaptic Plasticity in Interlamellar Hippocampus CA1 by Electrophysiological Field Recording

Published on: August 11, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Psychedelics like psilocybin show potential for treating affective disorders by enhancing neuroplasticity.
  • The precise neurobiological mechanisms and the influence of environmental context on psilocybin's effects are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if psilocybin alters synaptic density in healthy individuals.
  • To determine if the subjective experience, influenced by the environment, modulates psilocybin's impact on synaptic density.

Main Methods:

  • Fifteen healthy participants received a single dose of psilocybin (0.3 mg/kg).
  • Synaptic density was measured using [¹¹C]UCB-J PET targeting Synaptic Vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in the frontal cortex and hippocampus.
  • Experiences were assessed in two settings: an MRI scanner and a therapeutic-like room.

Main Results:

  • No overall statistically significant increase in SV2A density was observed.
  • Participants in the therapeutic-like setting reported more intense mystical experiences and longer-lasting psychological benefits.
  • Greater increases in synaptic density were observed in the therapeutic-like setting compared to the MRI scanner setting.

Conclusions:

  • Psilocybin's neuroplastic effects are significantly modulated by the environmental context.
  • A therapeutic setting may optimize the benefits and neurobiological impact of psilocybin.
  • Findings have implications for the design of psychedelic-assisted therapies.