Analysis of Serotonin in Caenorhabditis Elegans Subjected to Micro-Dosing with Psilocybin| Iris Publishers
Insights in Chemistry and Biochemistry – October 15, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A novel method for analyzing serotonin in Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrated that psilocybin significantly reduces serotonin levels, dropping from 0.9 to 0.5 mg/mg protein. Utilizing solvent-solvent extraction and capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence, serotonin was detected at a concentration of 1 µM. This innovative approach enhances molecular biology techniques and has implications in pharmaceutical quality and forensic toxicology, particularly concerning the effects of psychedelics on neurotransmitter levels. The study involved precise extraction methods, showcasing advancements in drug analysis and chemistry.
Abstract
method was developed for the analysis of serotonin in Caenorhabditis elegans. Samples were subjected to solvent-solvent extraction from basic conditions into n-heptanol. The serotonin was then back-extracted into acetic acid, the solution diluted into basic buffer, and labelled with 3-(2-furoyl) quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde in the presence of cyanide. The sample was analyzed by capillary electrophoresis utilizing post-column laser-induced fluorescence detection within a sheath flow cuvette. Under these conditions serotonin was detected at 1 M. C. elegans was cultured in the presence and absence of psilocybin. The presence of psilocybin was found to decrease the concentration of serotonin from 0.9 to 0.5 mg/mg protein.