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An extraordinary new study from a team of scientists at Yale University is reporting the first direct cellular demonstration of a single psilocybin dose inducing neural plasticity in a mammalian brain. The researchers show how the psychedelic prompts rapid growth of neural connections in the frontal cortex of mice and hypothesize this mechanism playing a role in the drug’s antidepressant qualities.
Over the last decade psychedelic science has been accelerating at a rate not seen in half a century. MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for depression are both in late-stage human trials and on the verge of clinical approval, however, we still know very little about how these psychedelic compounds actually generate their therapeutic effects.
Years of good study into depression have given psychedelic researchers clues to where they should be looking. We know depression is associated with synaptic atrophy in the frontal cortex. We also know rapid-acting anti-depressants can improve mood by reversing these synaptic deficits, essentially increasing the volume of neuronal connections in these key brain regions.
So, do psychedelics promote that same kind of neural plasticity?
This new research, published in the journal Neuron, suggests the answer is yes … at least in mice.
newatlas.com
Over the last decade psychedelic science has been accelerating at a rate not seen in half a century. MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for depression are both in late-stage human trials and on the verge of clinical approval, however, we still know very little about how these psychedelic compounds actually generate their therapeutic effects.
Years of good study into depression have given psychedelic researchers clues to where they should be looking. We know depression is associated with synaptic atrophy in the frontal cortex. We also know rapid-acting anti-depressants can improve mood by reversing these synaptic deficits, essentially increasing the volume of neuronal connections in these key brain regions.
So, do psychedelics promote that same kind of neural plasticity?
This new research, published in the journal Neuron, suggests the answer is yes … at least in mice.
Landmark study shows one dose of psilocybin induces new neural connections
An extraordinary new study from a team of scientists at Yale University is reporting the first direct cellular demonstration of a single psilocybin dose inducing neural plasticity in a mammalian brain. The researchers show how the psychedelic prompts rapid growth of neural connections in the…
newatlas.com
