Brain Research BulletinApril 2017Ghorbangol Ashabi, Mitra-Sadat Sadat-Shirazi, Solmaz Khalifeh et al.
Consumption of cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB-1) agonist such as cannabis is widely taken in 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy users; it has been hypothesized that co-consumption of CB-1 agonist might protect neurons against MDMA toxicity. N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors regulate neuronal plasticity and firing rate in the brain through Tyrosine-kinase B (Trk-B) activation....
R (−)‐2,5‐Dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine (DOI) and other compounds with agonist affinity for serotonergic 5‐HT2A receptors are hallucinogenic drugs of abuse, but also have therapeutic potential in numerous neuropsychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and in the treatment of migraine and cluster headaches. Thus, commonly abused hallucinogens...
Introduction: “Bath salts” target the endocannabinoid system in a similar manner to cannabis. In the case of designer drug misuse, subjects seem to be at higher risk of psychotic symptoms. Aims: To investigate the nature and frequency of psychotic symptoms associated with cannabis and/or bath salts misuse in a male inpatient population. Method: The files of 107 patients admitted to the...
Introduction: The non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist ketamine has been shown to have rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, only a few studies have investigated which clinical characteristics predict a response to ketamine. Objectives: To assess sociodemographic variables and clinical markers that predict response to...
Over the last years, a number of studies have been conducted to clarify the neurobiological correlates of ketamine application. However, comprehensive information regarding the influence of ketamine on cortical activity is still lacking. Using resting-state functional MRI and integrating pharmacokinetic information, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study was performed...
BackgroundWith the rapid and intensive spread of marihuana abuse among youth, Japanese society is focusing on law enforcement against drug abusers. In 2016, a mass killing allegedly committed by a marihuana abuser was reported in Japan.ObjectivesTo consider that common recognition of the diverse process and potential risks of cannabis psychosis should be shared among psychiatrists.AimsElicit...
There has been a recent resurgence of clinical interest in the application of psychedelic drugs for the treatment of various disease states. While the field is mostly focused on action within the central nervous system, previously published data from our lab supports the use of these 5‐hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5‐HT 2A R) agonists as modulators of the inflammatory pathway in the periphery...
Ibogaine is a natural alkaloid that has been used in the last decades as an adjuvant for the treatment of opiate withdrawal. Despite the beneficial results suggested by animal studies and case series, there is a lack of clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of ibogaine. Moreover, the majority of reports described cases of heroin-dependent individuals, with and without concomitant...
Ayahuasca is a dimethyltryptamine- and β-carboline-rich hallucinogenic beverage traditionally used by indigenous groups of Northwest Amazonian for ritual and therapeutic purposes. Animal and human studies suggest that ayahuasca has antidepressant and anxiolytic potentials and has a good safety profile. However, anxiety-like reactions may also occur after ayahuasca intake, although they are...
The recent trend towards legalization and commercialization of marijuana in the US has resulted in a significant drop in the perceived risks of cannabis use among all age groups. Thus, legalization has further advances the common misperception that cannabis abuse and dependence are generally safe and devoid of neuropsychiatric sequelae. Yet there are numerous acute, as well as numerous...