Addressing the Current Knowledge and Gaps in Research SurroundingLysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Psilocybin, and Psilocin in RodentModels
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry – July 06, 2023
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, powerful hallucinogen drugs, show immense promise for treating anxiety and various psychiatric conditions. Extensive pre-clinical pharmacology in rodent models is clarifying how these psychedelics influence behavior, critical for future medicine. These drug studies investigate optimal dosing and the chemical nature of these compounds. Understanding their mechanisms, potentially involving neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, is vital for their clinical implementation in psychiatry. Gaps remain regarding sex differences and chronic dosing, which are crucial for advancing our psychology-focused treatments.
Abstract
Abstract: Lysergic acid Diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and psilocin are being intensively evaluated as potential therapeutics to treat depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and a host of other psychiatric illnesses. Pre-clinical investigation of these compounds in rodent models forms a key component of their drug development process. In this review, we will summarize the evidence gathered to date surrounding LSD, psilocybin, and psilocin in rodent models of the psychedelic experience, behavioural organization, substance use, alcohol consumption, drug discrimination, anxiety, depression-like behaviour, stress response, and pharmacokinetics. In reviewing these topics, we identify three knowledge gaps as areas of future inquiry: sex differences, oral dosing rather than injection, and chronic dosing regimens. A comprehensive understanding of LSD, psilocybin, and psilocin’s in vivo pharmacology may not only lead to their successful clinical implementation but optimize the use of these compounds as controls or references in the development of novel psychedelic therapeutics.