Immunological Consequences of In Vitro Exposure to Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology – January 01, 1994
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) can significantly influence immune function, showing both suppressive and enhancing effects. At a concentration of 100 microM, LSD reduced B-lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production by 40-60%. Conversely, at lower concentrations (0.0001 to 0.1 microM), LSD enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity by up to 70%, while higher doses inhibited NK responses. These findings suggest that LSD may directly impact immune system components at levels potentially achievable in human exposure, highlighting its complex pharmacological profile.
Abstract
The ability of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to alter immune function after direct in vitro exposure was examined. It was demonstrated that LSD is able to suppress the proliferation of B-lymphocytes; the production of the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6; and the induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes at a concentration of 100 microM. In vitro exposure to LSD had differential effects on natural killer (NK) cell activity, with significant enhancement of both basal and IL-2-augmented NK cell function at concentrations between 0.0001 and 0.1 microM, and suppression of NK response at 100 microM. These results demonstrate that LSD may have a direct effect on components of the immune system at concentrations that may be reached upon human exposure.