Psilocybin: Reaction with a Fraction of Rat Brain
Science – January 13, 1967
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A compelling finding in Biophysics and Pharmacology shows the hallucinogen Psilocybin uniquely interacts with rat-brain nerve-ending particles, creating a distinct blue color. This intriguing Chemistry, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, revealed the color formation intensified with pH and occurred without oxygen. Unlike the Neurotransmitter Serotonin or similar compounds, Psilocybin's specific reaction was antagonized by Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. This highlights novel interactions of Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, moving beyond typical Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior in Pharmacology.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, formed a blue color with a subfraction of rat-brain mitochondria believed to contain nerve-ending particles. Color formation increased with p H, did not require oxygen, and involved a component that could not be solubilized. The effect was not shown by chemically related neuroactive compounds, such as bufotenine and serotonin, and was antagonized by only tyramine or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.