Classical and non-classical psychedelic drugs induce common network changes in human cortex.
Rui Dai, Tony E. Larkin, Zirui Huang, Vijay Tarnal, Paul Picton, Phillip E. Vlisides, Ellen Janke, Amy McKinney, Anthony G. Hudetz, Richard E. Harris, George A. Mashour
Neuroimage June 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120097 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Humans |
| Interventions | Nitrous oxide Ketamine Lysergic acid diethylamide |
| Topics | Ketamine LSD |
| Keywords | Cortex Functional connectivity Nitrous oxide FMRI Psychedelics Brain connectivity Consciousness research Neuroimaging |
| Citations | 49 |
| Key findings | Both classical and non-classical psychedelics reduce within-network functional connectivity and enhance between-network functional connectivity, particularly in the posterior cortical hot zone. |
Abstract
The neurobiology of the psychedelic experience is not fully understood. Identifying common brain network changes induced by both classical (i.e., acting at the 5-HT2 receptor) and non-classical psychedelics would provide mechanistic insight into state-specific characteristics. We analyzed whole-brain functional connectivity based on resting-state fMRI data in humans, acquired before and during the administration of nitrous oxide, ketamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide. We report that, despite distinct molecular mechanisms and modes of delivery, all three psychedelics reduced within-network functional connectivity and enhanced between-network functional connectivity. More specifically, all three drugs increased connectivity between right temporoparietal junction and bilateral intraparietal sulcus as well as between precuneus and left intraparietal sulcus. These regions fall within the posterior cortical "hot zone," posited to mediate the qualitative aspects of experience. Thus, both classical and non-classical psychedelics modulate networks within an area of known relevance for consciousness, identifying a biologically plausible candidate for their subjective effects.