Understanding Central Nervous System Effects of Deliriant Hallucinogenic Drugs through Experimental Animal Models
ACS Chemical Neuroscience September 25, 2018 Andrey D. Volgin, Oleg A. Yakovlev, Konstantin A. Demin et al. 38 citations
Deliriant hallucinogens, such as atropine and scopolamine, are a distinct class of drugs that induce hyperactivity and dream-like hallucinations by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Despite their long history of use and being well-studied in cholinergic physiology, they are the least-studied class of hallucinogens regarding their behavioral and neurological effects. This review comprehensively evaluates the preclinical effects of these drugs in various animal models, detailing their mechanisms of action and potential interactions with other signaling pathways. It parallels experimental and clinical findings to outline future directions for translational research, emphasizing the need for novel approaches and new model organisms to investigate their central nervous system effects.