Toad psychedelic points to biological target for antidepressants
Nature May 8, 2024 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01296-x (opens in new tab) via Springer Nature
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA hallucinogenic compound secreted by toads has provided a foundation for investigating the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. The findings suggest that these compounds produce antidepressant effects partly by binding to a previously overlooked target in the brain.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Neuroscience Structural biology Chemical biology Drug discovery |
| Key finding | Psychedelic compounds exert antidepressant effects in part by binding an under-appreciated target in the brain. |
Abstract
A hallucinogenic compound secreted by toads has served as a springboard for research into the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. The findings suggest that these compounds exert antidepressant effects in part by binding an under-appreciated target in the brain. Research into a hallucinogenic compound secreted by a toad has cast light on the therapeutic effects of psychedelics.