Acute Effects of Psilocybin and Salvinorin-A on Functional Connectivity
Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition – August 14, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Neuroscience reveals how two distinct hallucinogens, Psilocybin and Salvinorin-A, profoundly alter brain communication. Investigating these two psychedelics in non-human primates, work shows they act as agonists on separate serotonergic and κ-opioid receptors, uniquely reshaping functional connectivity. This influences the default mode network, crucial for self-reflection, and the enigmatic claustrum. Such drug studies offer vital insights for mental health topics, exploring how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior could lead to new psychological treatments.
Abstract
This work utilized fMRI to assess the influence of the psychedelics, Psilocybin, a serotonergic agonist, and Salvinorin-A, a kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, on functional connectivity (FC) in non-human primates. We used a seed-based FC analysis, probing regions of interest associated with psychedelic hallucinogens. Our findings highlight the overlapping and differing influence of these substances on FC relative to the subcomponents of the default mode network and the claustrum. This work may provide insight on the mechanisms of action of psychedelics that target differing receptor systems. Key Words: Functional connectivity; Claustrum; DMN; Psychedelics.