Possible Involvement of Hallucinogenic Effects in the Aversive Effects Induced by Kappa‐Opioid and 5‐ HT 2A / 2C Receptor Agonists in Mice
Hideaki Kato, Yoshimi Ichimaru, Masaaki Kurihara, Koushirou Sogawa, Masahiko Funada, Tsutomu Suzuki
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports November 23, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1002/npr2.70075 via OpenAlex
Summary
In tests using mice, the receptor agonist DOI caused significant aversive effects and abnormal behavior, likely due to its hallucinogenic properties. These findings suggest that the conditioned place aversion test and marble-burying test could be effective methods for evaluating the effects of hallucinogenic drugs. The study emphasizes the need for rapid evaluation methods to regulate new psychoactive substances.
Study at a glance
| Population | mice |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Receptor agonists like DOI produced significant aversive effects and abnormal behavior in mice, likely due to their hallucinogenic effects. |
Abstract
AIM: The regulation of new psychoactive and dangerous abused substances is very important for the prevention of drug abuse. A simple and effective evaluation method using laboratory animals is needed to regulate designated drugs with high accuracy and speed. METHODS: receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI), which have a similar mechanism of action to hallucinogenic drugs, in a conditioned place aversion (CPA) test in mice. In addition, because hallucinogenic drugs can cause emotional abnormalities during hallucinations, we performed a marble-burying test in mice. RESULTS: receptor agonists produced significant aversive effects and abnormal behavior. These aversive effects and abnormal behavior were probably due in part to the hallucinogenic effects of these drugs. CONCLUSION: Therefore, these tests using mice may be useful for evaluating hallucinogenic effects. We hope that these simple and rapid evaluation methods will be used to identify designated drugs.