Lysergic acid diethylamide: Role in conversion of plasma tryptophan to brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine)
Science January 1, 1969 Robert C. Lin, S. H. Ngai, E. Costa 69 citations
Injections of D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) reduce the turnover rate of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) in rat brain, measured by the conversion of radiolabeled tryptophan into radiolabeled serotonin. In contrast, a related compound, 2-bromolysergic acid diethylamide, given at five times the dose of LSD, does not alter this conversion rate. The finding is discussed in relation to LSD's effects on brain serotonergic neurons and its ability to produce psychosis-like symptoms.