The neurons that mediate a psychedelic’s long-term antidepressive effects
Nature April 2, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-025-00979-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Brain |
| Key points | The beneficial behavioral action of psilocybin depends on the activation of pyramidal-tract neurons in the frontal cortex. |
Abstract
Psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, has therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders. A specific brain circuit and receptor have now been found to be required for psilocybin’s long-term effects on neural plasticity and depression-related behaviour. The psychedelic psilocybin’s beneficial behavioural action depends on the activation of pyramidal-tract neurons in the frontal cortex.