Neuromodulatory mechanisms of N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Brain Network and Modulation July 1, 2023 DOI: 10.4103/2773-2398.386227 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | DMT's neuromodulatory effects, including interactions with multiple neurochemical systems and induction of neuroplasticity, underlie its potent subjective effects and potential therapeutic benefits for depression, anxiety, and addiction. |
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is the simplest psychedelic tryptamine and is produced naturally by many plant and animal species, including humans. While classical psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide, or psilocybin, are gaining interest because of their therapeutic potential, DMT has yet to be fully investigated. However, preliminary clinical evidence suggests that DMT and/or ayahuasca, a DMT-containing psychoactive beverage, both possess antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive properties. In addition, the subjective effects of DMT are particularly potent. Both subjective and therapeutic cues can be largely explained via the neuromodulatory properties of DMT. In addition, DMT interacts with several neurochemical systems, including the glutamatergic, monoaminergic, and cholinergic systems. Consequently, large-scale brain dynamics can suffer acute and dramatic shifts in several networks, including visual and auditive networks, and the default-mode network. More broadly, top-down cognitive processes (predictive and contextual processing) can become restricted while bottom-up and stimuli-related processing is enhanced. Furthermore, the acute effects of DMT can crystallize to some extent by virtue of its plastogenic effects which are mediated by sigma 1 receptor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B, and serotonin receptor 2A. DMT-induced plasticity has been related mental well-being and therapeutic benefits. Here, I provide an updated review of the neuromodulatory effects of DMT and the mechanisms that underlie these effects. I consider the molecular targets that influence neurochemical systems, changes in large-scale cortical function and structure, and DMT-dependent neuroplasticity. Finally, I highlight the therapeutic relevance and/or risks associated with the neuromodulatory mechanisms of DMT.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on 5-MeO-DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuropharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamine | 2016 | Review | |
| N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an Endogenous Hallucinogen: Past, Present, and Future Research to Determine Its Role and Function Humans and animals (general) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: metabolism, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and pharmacological actions. Humans (pharmacokinetics) | 2010 | Review | |
| Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience:N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) | 2018 | Review | |
| A possibly sigma-1 receptor mediated role of dimethyltryptamine in tissue protection, regeneration, and immunity. | 2013 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 15
- The Psychedelic State Induced by Ayahuasca Modulates the Activity and Connectivity of the Default Mode Network PLoS One February 18, 2015
- Neural correlates of the DMT experience assessed with multivariate EEG. Scientific Reports November 19, 2019
- Personality, Psychopathology, Life Attitudes and Neuropsychological Performance among Ritual Users of Ayahuasca: A Longitudinal Study PLoS One August 8, 2012
- Psychedelics and the Human Receptorome PLoS One 2010
- Htr2a gene and 5-HT2A receptor expression in the cerebral cortex studied using genetically modified mice Frontiers in Neuroscience 2010
and 10 more in the library