The intracranial injection of drugs in goldfish. I: Hallucinogens and their antagonism to smooth muscle activity
Journal of Asthma Research – January 01, 1979
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Goldfish injected with hallucinogens like LSD and 5-MEO-DMT exhibited significant behavioral changes, confirming their pharmacological activity. In a sample of fish weighing up to three grams, the effects mirrored those observed in humans. Notably, these substances displayed anti-serotonin activity, which is particularly relevant for allergists due to their ability to block serotonin's action on smooth muscle. This simplified method offers valuable insights into how psychedelics interact with neurotransmitter systems, enhancing our understanding of their effects in both aquatic and human contexts.
Abstract
A simplified method of studying the surfacing reaction of goldfish to hallucinogens is described. Goldfish weighing up to three grams are injected intracranially. Employing this method, d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25), d-2-acetyl lysergic acid diethylamide (ALD-52), 1-methyl d-lysergic acid butano-lamide (UML-491), and 5-methoxy dimethyl tryptamine (5-MEO-DMT) were found to be as pharmacologically active as previously noted in fish and in man. The relationship of these drugs to their anti-serotonin activity is of particular interest to the allergist because of the way in which the congeners and derivatives of LSD block the action of serotonin on smooth muscle.