Recent advances in the neuropsychopharmacology of serotonergic hallucinogens.
Behavioural Brain Research July 15, 2014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.07.016 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD Serotonin |
| Keywords | Brain Animals Humans Receptor, serotonin, 5-ht2a Hallucinogens Behavior, animal Exploratory behavior Prefrontal cortex Head twitch Psychedelic Visual effects |
| Key findings | The authors argue that the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is the primary site of hallucinogen action, mediating effects in humans and in animal behavioral paradigms such as drug discrimination, head twitch response, prepulse inhibition of startle, exploratory behavior, and interval timing. They also note emerging evidence that hallucinogens may possess therapeutic efficacy. |
Abstract
Serotonergic hallucinogens, such as (+)-lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, and mescaline, are somewhat enigmatic substances. Although these drugs are derived from multiple chemical families, they all produce remarkably similar effects in animals and humans, and they show cross-tolerance. This article reviews the evidence demonstrating the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is the primary site of hallucinogen action. The 5-HT2A receptor is responsible for mediating the effects of hallucinogens in human subjects, as well as in animal behavioral paradigms such as drug discrimination, head twitch response, prepulse inhibition of startle, exploratory behavior, and interval timing. Many recent clinical trials have yielded important new findings regarding the psychopharmacology of these substances. Furthermore, the use of modern imaging and electrophysiological techniques is beginning to help unravel how hallucinogens work in the brain. Evidence is also emerging that hallucinogens may possess therapeutic efficacy.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on serotonin, most cited first.
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