How sex and environmental conditions shape psilocybin's effects on social and cognitive function in mice

Summary

Psilocybin significantly influences social behavior in mice, with effects differing by sex and over time. Female mice became more social and showed increased brain reward signals, while male mice exhibited reduced stress behaviors and dampened brain responses. The impact of psilocybin on inflammation also varied depending on exercise levels. These results emphasize the importance of considering sex differences in developing anorexia nervosa treatments, particularly since this condition predominantly affects women.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This thesis examined how psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) affects social behaviour in mice with and without anorexia-like symptoms. It found that psilocybin's effects varied dramatically between male and female mice and changed over time. Female mice became more social and showed increased brain reward signals, while males displayed reduced stress behaviours and dampened brain responses. Psilocybin also affected inflammation differently depending on whether mice were exercising. These findings highlight that males and females respond very differently to psilocybin, which is crucial for developing treatments for anorexia nervosa, a condition affecting primarily women where current medications are limited.

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