CONCENTRATES
Chemical & Engineering News February 16, 2009 DOI: 10.1021/cen-v087n007.p040 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | The sigma-1 receptor's endogenous ligand is N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic compound also produced in the body. DMT inhibits voltage-gated ion channels, and in rodents its levels rise during stress. This finding helps elucidate the receptor's role, which was previously mischaracterized as an opioid receptor. |
Abstract
NERVE RECEPTOR BINDS HALLUCINOGENIC LIGAND A hallucinogenic compound found in psychoactive snuffs and sacramental teas used in native shamanic rituals in South America has helped elucidate the role of a receptor found throughout the nervous system ( Science 2009, 323, 934). The sigma-1 receptor was known to bind many synthetic compounds, and it was originally mischaracterized as a receptor for opioid drugs. But its real role in the body remains unknown. However, Arnold E. Ruoho of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and colleagues have now solved one part of the mystery: They have discovered that the receptor’s endogenous ligand is N, N -dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT is not only found in hallucinogenic teas and snuffs but is also produced by enzymes in the body. It’s been detected in human urine, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid; in the mammalian lung; and in rodent brains. At least in rodents, DMT levels rise during stressful conditions. Ruoho’s group found that DMT inhibits voltage-gated ...