Toward Translatable Biomarkers of Psychedelic-Induced Neuroplasticity.
The American journal of psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psychedelics like ketamine may literally help the brain grow new connections. Scientists have identified a key protein called SV2A that could serve as a biological marker for measuring how these compounds promote neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to rewire itself. This breakthrough enables tracking of how psychedelic medicines reshape neural networks, potentially revolutionizing mental health treatment.
Abstract
Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that psychedelics promote the growth of cortical neurons in the prefrontal cortex. However, measuring psychedelic-induced structural plasticity in humans has remained a challenge. New advances in positron emission tomography imaging could facilitate the measurement of synaptic proteins in humans following psychedelic administration. Identifying a translatable biomarker of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity would enable patient stratification and determination of optimal dosing paradigms while also facilitating the discovery of novel compounds that produce similar effects on structural neuroplasticity.