International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
S Socolow, B Richardson, S Nasini et al.
Abstract Background Major depression (MD) is a prevalent and debilitating disorder, characterized by anhedonia, persistent low mood, and learned helplessness, affecting up to 21% of adults over a lifetime. Chronic stress is a major environmental contributor to MD, and preclinical models of chronic mild stress (CMS) allow investigation of its behavioral and neurobiological consequences....
International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
V Bruno, M Lopez-Canul, B Richardson et al.
Abstract Background Psilocybin has shown therapeutic potential for several neuropsychiatric disorders; however, concerns remain regarding its abuse liability and long-term neurobiological effects following repeated use. While acute psychedelic administration is generally considered to have low addictive potential, the consequences of repeated exposure on reward processing, withdrawal-related...
International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
B Richardson, S Socolow, M Lopez-Canul et al.
Abstract Background Recent clinical trials show that 5-MeO-DMT produces rapid antidepressant effects, yet the receptor mechanisms underlying these outcomes remain incompletely defined. Although 5-MeO-DMT is a high-affinity agonist at multiple serotonergic receptors, the relative contribution of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor signaling to its antidepressant-like actions has not been causally...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 1, 2026
E Nield, M Lopez-Canul, A Inserra et al.
Abstract Background Pain conditions are major health problems resulting in physical, psychological and social impairment (1), and health care costs (2,3). Within the last decade, research has demonstrated that 5-HT2A agonists including psilocybin and LSD elicit spiritual experiences (4) and functional connectivity changes between diverse brain areas (5). Therefore, it is pertinent to...
Journal of Psychopharmacology
September 22, 2025
Vítor Bruno, Martha López-canul, Brandon Richardson et al.
3 citations
Background: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of scientific interest in psychedelics, including psilocybin, for their potential in treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the reward-related effects of psilocybin and its impact on behavior remain underexplored. Aims: We aimed to evaluate the potential rewarding effects of high doses of psilocybin and its effects on rat behavior....
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
August 1, 2025
Valeria Bruno, Bruce Richardson, Martha López-canul et al.
Abstract Background Recent years have seen renewed scientific interest in psychedelics, including psilocybin, for their potential in treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the reward-related properties and behavioral impacts of a high dose of psilocybin remain insufficiently explored. Aims & Objectives Assessing the potential rewarding properties of a high dose of psilocybin (10 mg/kg...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
February 1, 2025
Martha López-canul, Vivienne Nguyen, Antonio Inserra et al.
Abstract Background Pain is a major health problem resulting in a high degree of suffering, physical, psychological and social impairments, and exorbitant health care costs1-2. Effective pain treatments are limited and are often accompanied by significant side effects3. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that psychedelics, specifically psilocybin, can reset brain areas of functional...
Neuropsychopharmacology
March 17, 2022
Danilo de Gregorio, Antonio Inserra, Justine P. Enns et al.
89 citations
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a serotonergic psychedelic compound receiving increasing interest due to putative anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. However, the potential neurobiological mechanisms mediating these effects remain elusive. Employing in vivo electrophysiology, microionthophoresis, behavioral paradigms and morphology assays, we assessed the impact of acute and chronic...
Journal of Psychopharmacology
March 1, 2021
Antonio Inserra, Danilo de Gregorio, Tamim Rezai et al.
42 citations
Background: The reticular thalamus gates thalamocortical information flow via finely tuned inhibition of thalamocortical cells in the mediodorsal thalamus. Brain imaging studies in humans show that the psychedelic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) modulates activity and connectivity within the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit, altering consciousness. However, the...
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
January 25, 2021
Danilo de Gregorio, Jelena Popić, Justine P. Enns et al.
137 citations
Clinical studies have reported that the psychedelic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) enhances empathy and social behavior (SB) in humans, but its mechanism of action remains elusive. Using a multidisciplinary approach including in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, behavioral paradigms, and molecular biology, the effects of LSD on SB and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the medial...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
July 23, 2020
Danilo de Gregorio, Joshua Dean Conway, Martha López-canul et al.
39 citations
BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main cannabis pharmacological component, during adolescence has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidality in humans. AIMS: Little is known about the impact of the long-term effects of chronic exposure to low doses of THC in adolescent compared to adult rodents. METHODS: THC (1mg/kg...