The Effects of Psychedelics on Neuronal Physiology.
Cassandra J. Hatzipantelis, David E. Olson
Annu Rev Physiol November 6, 2023 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-020923 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Neuroplasticity brain reshaping Neuronal growth Connectivity Communication pathways Brain remodeling Neurons brain cells Neuronal cells Nerve cells Compounds substances Chemicals Molecules Medical applications Treatment |
| Citations | 28 |
| Key findings | Psychedelics produce both acute effects on neurotransmission and long-lasting effects on neuroplasticity, which may be distinct and could allow for engineering safer, more effective compounds. |
Abstract
Psychedelics are quite unique among drugs that impact the central nervous system, as a single administration of a psychedelic can both rapidly alter subjective experience in profound ways and produce sustained effects on circuits relevant to mood, fear, reward, and cognitive flexibility. These remarkable properties are a direct result of psychedelics interacting with several key neuroreceptors distributed across the brain. Stimulation of these receptors activates a variety of signaling cascades that ultimately culminate in changes in neuronal structure and function. Here, we describe the effects of psychedelics on neuronal physiology, highlighting their acute effects on serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as their long-lasting effects on structural and functional neuroplasticity in the cortex. We propose that the neurobiological changes leading to the acute and sustained effects of psychedelics might be distinct, which could provide opportunities for engineering compounds with optimized safety and efficacy profiles.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on neuroplasticity, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A neurotrophic hypothesis of depression: role of synaptogenesis in the actions of NMDA receptor antagonists | 2012 | Review | |
| Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Review of preclinical and clinical studies | 2023 | Review | |
| Buddha's Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation [In the Spotlight] | 2008 | Review | |
| Neuroplasticity as a convergent mechanism of ketamine and classical psychedelics | 2021 | Review | |
| Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 27
- Psychedelics: A review of their effects on recalled aversive memories and fear/anxiety expression in rodents Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews September 20, 2024
- Psychedelics, entactogens and psychoplastogens for depression and related disorders British Journal of Pharmacology June 15, 2025
- Zalsupindole is a Nondissociative, Nonhallucinogenic Neuroplastogen with Therapeutic Effects Comparable to Ketamine and Psychedelics ACS Chemical Neuroscience October 13, 2025
- Narrating the psychoneuroimmunomodulatory properties of serotonin 5-HT2A receptor psychedelics from a transdiagnostic perspective. Acta Neuropsychiatrica July 25, 2025
- N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in rodent brain: Concentrations, distribution, and recent pharmacological data. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry March 20, 2025
and 22 more in the library
Cites 101
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action Neuroreport December 1, 1998
and 96 more in the library