Dynamical exploration of the repertoire of brain networks at rest is modulated by psilocybin.
Louis-David Lord, Paul Expert, Selen Atasoy, Leor Roseman, Kristina M. Rapuano, Renaud Lambiotte, David Nutt, Gustavo Deco, Robin Carhart-Harris, Morten L. Kringelbach, Joana Cabral
Neuroimage May 25, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.05.060 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study with placebo session Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Intravenous infusion of psilocybin |
| Topics | Neuroplasticity Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Psychedelics Hallucinogens Brain networks Neural networks Brain dynamics Functional connectivity Resting state networks Brain organization Brain flexibility Consciousness Awareness Mental states Perception Therapeutic applications Treatment Therapy Mental health Clinical applications |
| Citations | 249 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin destabilizes a frontoparietal subsystem and increases the probability of a global BOLD phase coherence pattern. |
Abstract
Growing evidence from the dynamical analysis of functional neuroimaging data suggests that brain function can be understood as the exploration of a repertoire of metastable connectivity patterns ('functional brain networks'), which potentially underlie different mental processes. The present study characterizes how the brain's dynamical exploration of resting-state networks is rapidly modulated by intravenous infusion of psilocybin, a tryptamine psychedelic found in "magic mushrooms". We employed a data-driven approach to characterize recurrent functional connectivity patterns by focusing on the leading eigenvector of BOLD phase coherence at single-TR resolution. Recurrent BOLD phase-locking patterns (PL states) were assessed and statistically compared pre- and post-infusion of psilocybin in terms of their probability of occurrence and transition profiles. Results were validated using a placebo session. Recurrent BOLD PL states revealed high spatial overlap with canonical resting-state networks. Notably, a PL state forming a frontoparietal subsystem was strongly destabilized after psilocybin injection, with a concomitant increase in the probability of occurrence of another PL state characterized by global BOLD phase coherence. These findings provide evidence of network-specific neuromodulation by psilocybin and represent one of the first attempts at bridging molecular pharmacodynamics and whole-brain network dynamics.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Cancer patients with life-threatening diagnoses and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety | 2016 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 51 |
| Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression | 2016 | Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial | n = 29 |
| Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Hallucinogen-naïve adults reporting regular participation in religious or spiritual... | 2006 | Double-blind study | n = 36 |
| Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression Selected group of patients with depression | 2021 | Randomized controlled trial | |
| Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder Adults aged 21 to 75 years with major depressive disorder, not currently using... | 2020 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 24 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 106
- Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin therapy for depression. Nature Medicine April 11, 2022
- Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences April 13, 2020
- Me, myself, bye: regional alterations in glutamate and the experience of ego dissolution with psilocybin. Neuropsychopharmacology November 1, 2020
- The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin Molecules May 15, 2021
- Human brain effects of DMT assessed via EEG-fMRI. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences March 28, 2023
and 101 more in the library
Cites 24
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
and 19 more in the library