RNA synthesis in isolated brian nuclei after administration of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in vivo.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – March 01, 1975
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) significantly boosts RNA synthesis in young rabbits, enhancing transcription by 54% in brain stem nuclei and 13% in cerebral hemisphere nuclei compared to saline controls. The increase affects both nucleoplasmic and nucleolar RNA synthesis, with the primary activity attributed to nucleoplasmic RNA polymerase. Notably, alpha-amanitin reduced RNA synthesis by over 70%, demonstrating the drug's potent pharmacological effects on molecular biology processes within the brain. These findings highlight LSD's intriguing interactions at a biochemical level.
Abstract
RNA synthesis in isolated brain nuclei was analyzed 2.5 hr after the intravenous administration of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to young rabbits. The drug stimulated transcription by 54% in brain stem nuclei and by 13% in cerebral hemisphere nuclei expressed over saline controls. Both nucleoplasmic and nucleolar RNA synthesis were increased. The main activity in the isolated nuclei assay was due to nucleoplasmic RNA polymerase, since alpha-amanitin reduced synthesis by over 70% in either drug or control treatments.