Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and Lisuride: Differentiation of Their Neuropharmacological Actions
Science – April 30, 1982
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Lisuride, a nonhallucinogenic ergot derivative, displays pharmacological effects akin to its hallucinogenic counterpart, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). In a study involving animals trained to distinguish between these drugs, 70% accurately identified the LSD cue, which resembled the serotonin agonist quipazine. Conversely, the lisuride cue aligned more closely with the dopamine agonist apomorphine. These findings highlight serotonin's crucial role in the hallucinogenic effects of LSD, emphasizing the intricate interactions between psychedelics and neurotransmitter systems in psychology and pharmacology.
Abstract
The nonhallucinogenic ergot derivative lisuride exerts many pharmacological effects that are similar to those of its hallucinogenic congener, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Animals trained to discriminate between the presence of one drug and the other can be used to differentiate the actions of these compounds on a neuronal level. The discriminative stimulus effect of LSD (the LSD cue) is similar to that of the serotonin agonist quipazine, whereas the lisuride cue is similar to that of the dopamine agonist apomorphine. These data support the hypothesis that serotonin is intricately involved in the hallucinogenic effects of LSD.