Effect of Hallucinogens on Unconditioned Behavior
Mark A. Geyer, Adam L. Halberstadt
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2016 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_466 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Hallucinogens Psychedelics Psychoactive substances Animal models Rodent models Preclinical research Behavioral models Animal behavior Neurobiology Brain research Psychopharmacology Brain receptors 5-ht2a |
| Citations | 104 |
| Key findings | Hallucinogen effects in rodents are primarily mediated by activation of 5-HT2A receptors, consistent with the human mechanism. |
Abstract
Because of the ethical and regulatory hurdles associated with human studies, much of what is known about the psychopharmacology of hallucinogens has been derived from animal models. However, developing reliable animal models has proven to be a challenging task due to the complexity and variability of hallucinogen effects in humans. This chapter focuses on three animal models that are frequently used to test the effects of hallucinogens on unconditioned behavior: head twitch response (HTR), prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI), and exploratory behavior. The HTR has demonstrated considerable utility in the neurochemical actions of hallucinogens. However, the latter two models have clearer conceptual bridges to human phenomenology. Consistent with the known mechanism of action of hallucinogens in humans, the behavioral effects of hallucinogens in rodents are mediated primarily by activation of 5-HT2A receptors. There is evidence, however, that other receptors may play secondary roles. The structure-activity relationships (SAR) of hallucinogens are reviewed in relation to each model, with a focus on the HTR in rats and mice