Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems
Morten L. Kringelbach, Josephine Cruzat, Joana Cabral, Peter C. Whybrow, Nikos K. Logothetis, Gustavo Deco, Gitte M. Knudsen, Robin Carhart-Harris
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences April 13, 2020 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921475117 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Healthy humans |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Addiction Anxiety Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Neurotransmitter systems Neurotransmitter receptor Deep brain stimulation Functional neuroimaging |
| Citations | 326 |
| Key findings | Stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors with psilocybin causally explains functional effects in the brain, providing insight into its therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders. |
Abstract
Significance In a technical tour de force, we have created a framework demonstrating the underlying fundamental principles of bidirectional coupling of neuronal and neurotransmitter dynamical systems. Specifically, in the present study, we combined multimodal neuroimaging data to causally explain the functional effects of specific serotoninergic receptor (5-HT 2A R) stimulation with psilocybin in healthy humans. Longer term, this could provide a better understanding of why psilocybin is showing considerable promise as a therapeutic intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, and addiction.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for 3 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors with psilocybin causally explains functional brain effects, which the authors suggest may inform understanding of its therapeutic promise for addiction and other disorders.
Synthesized
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Describes a framework causally linking 5-HT2A receptor stimulation with psilocybin to brain functional effects, suggesting relevance for depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Synthesized
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State of the evidence: Addiction Supports
Stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors with psilocybin causally explained functional effects in the brain, which could help understand why psilocybin shows promise for neuropsychiatric disorders including addiction.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on psilocybin for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |
| Psychotherapy with the aid of LSD Inpatients at Modum Bads Nervesanatorium receiving psycholytic treatment | 1996 | Retrospective descriptive study | n = 379 |
| Comparing Cannabis Use Motivations and Dependence Across Regular Cannabis Users Who Have or Have Not Recently Used Psilocybin Regular cannabis users (use ≥7 times/month) in Colorado, 35.1% female, 89.7% White | 2024 | Observational study | n = 97 |