Lysergic acid diethylamide induces behavioral changes in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Isis M. Ornelas, Beatriz de S. Carrilho, Matheus Antonio V. de C. Ventura, Ivan Domith, Christiane M de V Silveira, Vanessa F Dos Santos, João M Delou, Francisco Moll, Henrique Marcelo G Pereira, Magno Junqueira, Hugo Aguilaniu, Stevens K. Rehen
Neuroscience Letters August 10, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137903 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Caenorhabditis elegans |
| Intervention | Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) |
| Topics | LSD Serotonin |
| Keywords | C. elegans Ser-4 receptor Behavioral science Serotonin 5- Psychedelics hallucinogens Psychedelic drugs Animal behavior locomotion Movement |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | LSD reduces C. elegans locomotor speed, an effect partially mediated by the serotonergic receptors SER-1 and SER-4. |
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a synthetic psychedelic compound with potential therapeutic value for psychiatric disorders. This study aims to establish Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model for examining LSD's effects on locomotor behavior. Our results demonstrate that LSD is absorbed by C. elegans and that the acute treatment reduces animal speed, similar to the role of endogenous serotonin. This response is mediated in part by the serotonergic receptors SER-1 and SER-4. Our findings highlight the potential of this nematode as a new experimental model in psychedelic research.