The neurons that mediate a psychedelic’s long-term antidepressive effects
Nature April 2, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1038/d41586-025-00979-3 via Springer Nature
Summary
Psilocybin has been shown to have therapeutic potential for depression by affecting specific brain circuits and receptors. Its long-term effects on neural plasticity and depression-related behavior are linked to the activation of pyramidal-tract neurons in the frontal cortex.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The beneficial action of psilocybin on behavior relies on the activation of pyramidal-tract neurons in the frontal cortex. |
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Abstract
Psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, has therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders. A specific brain circuit and receptor have now been found to be required for psilocybin’s long-term effects on neural plasticity and depression-related behaviour. The psychedelic psilocybin’s beneficial behavioural action depends on the activation of pyramidal-tract neurons in the frontal cortex.