Possible Involvement of Hallucinogenic Effects in the Aversive Effects Induced by Kappa‐Opioid and 5‐ HT 2A / 2C Receptor Agonists in Mice
Hideaki Kato, Yoshimi Ichimaru, Masaaki Kurihara, Koushirou Sogawa, Masahiko Funada, Tsutomu Suzuki
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports November 23, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.70075 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Mice |
| Interventions | 1-(2 5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI) |
| Topics | Serotonin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen 5-HT Receptor Agonist Pharmacology |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | The hallucinogen-like receptor agonist DOI produced aversive effects and abnormal behavior in mice, suggesting these tests can evaluate hallucinogenic effects for drug regulation. |
Abstract
Aim: The regulation of new psychoactive and dangerous abused substances is very important for the prevention of drug abuse. A simple and effective evaluation method using laboratory animals is needed to regulate designated drugs with high accuracy and speed.
Methods: receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI), which have a similar mechanism of action to hallucinogenic drugs, in a conditioned place aversion (CPA) test in mice. In addition, because hallucinogenic drugs can cause emotional abnormalities during hallucinations, we performed a marble-burying test in mice.
Results: receptor agonists produced significant aversive effects and abnormal behavior. These aversive effects and abnormal behavior were probably due in part to the hallucinogenic effects of these drugs.
Conclusion: Therefore, these tests using mice may be useful for evaluating hallucinogenic effects. We hope that these simple and rapid evaluation methods will be used to identify designated drugs.