Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2026

Experimental Assessment of Mouse Sociability Using an Automated Image Processing Approach
Published on: May 15, 2016
Psilocybin enhances sociability only in altered behavioural state and does not need an awake experience to be
Chenchen Song1,2, Tinya Chang3, Tobias Buchborn3,4
1Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore. chenchen.song@ntu.edu.sg.
Abstract:
Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound contained in certain mushrooms, can provoke profound psychedelic experiences and also exerts established and controversial therapeutic efficacy in clinical depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions respectively. Here we report that a single systemic administration of the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin can durably promote social behaviour in the Cntnap2-knockout mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while no increase in sociability is observed in isogenic control mice. Addressing the concern that the therapeutic actions of psilocybin may involve potentially adverse psychedelic effects, we tested drug application in anesthetised mice and found that awake brain states are not required for psilocybin's sociability enhancing actions in ASD mice.
Related Concept Videos
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
Social Facilitation
Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Such synergistic combinations...

