Serotonin-like and Antiserotonin Properties of Psilocybin and Psilocin
Science – June 01, 1962
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Remarkably, certain hallucinogens, including psilocybin, exhibit a perplexing dual nature. These psychotomimetic compounds, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, are analogs of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Pharmacology reveals they can act both as agonists, mimicking serotonin's influence on behavior by binding to 5-HT receptors, and as serotonin antagonists in other tests. This intricate interaction, crucial for psychology and drug studies, highlights how psychedelics can exert opposing effects on neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
These psychotomimetic analogs of serotonin act like this hormone in some tests and against it in others.