Effects of Psilocybin on Mouse Brain Microstructure
American Journal of Neuroradiology – January 29, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Advanced Neuroscience reveals how the hallucinogen Psilocybin, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, impacts brain microstructure. Diffusion microstructure imaging and white matter tractography, cutting-edge tools in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, precisely detect neural changes accompanying psilocybin treatment. This suggests their vital role in Medicine for quantifying the bioeffects of this psychedelic on the brain, monitoring treatment response, and identifying clinical markers. Understanding Psilocybin's Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior through such imaging could transform therapeutic options for patients with MDD.
Abstract
Diffusion microstructure imaging and white matter tractography are sensitive methods to detect and characterize the neural substrates and microstructural differences accompanying psilocybin treatment. These findings suggest the potential role for diffusion microstructure imaging to quantify the bioeffects of psychedelics like psilocybin on the brain, monitor treatment response, and identify salient clinical end points in an emerging therapeutic option for patients with MDD.