N,N-dimethyltryptamine compound found in the hallucinogenic tea ayahuasca, regulates adult neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo
José Á. Morales-García, Javier Calleja‐conde, Jose Antonio López‐moreno, Sandra Alonso‐gil, Marina Sanz-Sancristóbal, Jordi Riba, Ana Pérez‐castillo
Translational Psychiatry September 28, 2020 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01011-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | In vitro and in vivo experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Mice |
| Interventions | N N-dimethyltryptamine |
| Topics | Ayahuasca Neuroplasticity 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Keywords | Subgranular zone Neuroblast Dentate gyrus Hippocampus Neural stem cell Hallucinogen In vivo Pharmacology Subventricular zone |
| Citations | 139 |
| Key findings | DMT administration promotes adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal subgranular zone and improves spatial learning and memory in mice. |
Abstract
Abstract N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a component of the ayahuasca brew traditionally used for ritual and therapeutic purposes across several South American countries. Here, we have examined, in vitro and vivo, the potential neurogenic effect of DMT. Our results demonstrate that DMT administration activates the main adult neurogenic niche, the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, promoting newly generated neurons in the granular zone. Moreover, these mice performed better, compared to control non-treated animals, in memory tests, which suggest a functional relevance for the DMT-induced new production of neurons in the hippocampus. Interestingly, the neurogenic effect of DMT appears to involve signaling via sigma-1 receptor (S1R) activation since S1R antagonist blocked the neurogenic effect. Taken together, our results demonstrate that DMT treatment activates the subgranular neurogenic niche regulating the proliferation of neural stem cells, the migration of neuroblasts, and promoting the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, therefore enhancing adult neurogenesis and improving spatial learning and memory tasks.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on 5-MeO-DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine modulate innate and adaptive inflammatory responses through the sigma-1 receptor of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Human primary monocyte-derived dendritic cells | 2014 | In vitro study | |
| Effects of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine on Rat Behaviors Relevant to Anxiety and Depression Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats | 2018 | Experimental study | |
| Hallucinogen-like actions of 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine in mice and rats. Mice and rats | 2006 | Preclinical study | |
| Agonist Properties of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine at Serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C Receptors Rats and transfected fibroblasts | 1998 | Experimental study | |
| Subtypes of the 5-HT receptor mediating the behavioural responses to 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in the rat Intact rats and rats depleted of monoamines with reserpine | 1985 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 110
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- Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science. Journal of Psychopharmacology February 2, 2022
- Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023
- Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics Frontiers in Psychiatry September 10, 2021
- Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms Pharmacological Reviews December 16, 2020
and 105 more in the library
Cites 21
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- The Hallucinogen N,N -Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Is an Endogenous Sigma-1 Receptor Regulator Science February 13, 2009
- Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry March 1, 2015
- Antidepressant Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in Patients With Recurrent Depression Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology December 11, 2015
- Subjective effects and tolerability of the South American psychoactive beverage Ayahuasca in healthy volunteers Psychopharmacology February 22, 2001
and 16 more in the library