Role of 5-HT2A receptors in the effects of ayahuasca on ethanol self-administration using a two-bottle choice paradigm in male mice
Yasmim A. Serra, Thaísa Barros-santos, Alexia Anjos-santos, Natali D. Kisaki, Caio Jovita-Farias, João Pereira Leite, Maria Clara E. Santana, João P. S. A. Coimbra, Nailton M. S. de Jesus, Agnieszka Sulima, Paulo César Ribeiro Barbosa, Elena L. A. Malpezzi-marinho, Kenner C. Rice, Alexandre J. Oliveira-lima, Laís F. Berro, E.a.v. Marinho
Psychopharmacology March 7, 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06104-w
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in preventing alcohol self-administration, as evidenced by a study involving 30 mice that demonstrated significant reductions in alcohol-seeking behavior. The effects were linked to the activation of the 5-HT2A receptor, highlighting its crucial role in these outcomes. This suggests that ayahuasca and similar 5-HT2A receptor agonists could serve as valuable adjuncts in treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), offering new avenues in psychiatry and pharmacology for managing addiction through innovative psychedelic approaches.
Abstract
Treatment with ayahuasca during alcohol abstinence blocked the expression of alcohol self-administration in mice, and 5-HT2A receptor activation is critical for those effects to emerge. Our findings support a potential for ayahuasca and other 5-HT2A receptor agonists as adjunctive pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD.