Neurochemical research
April 1, 2023
Jared VanderZwaag, Torin Halvorson, Kira Dolhan et al.
25 citations
Microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, are emerging as a key target for new psychiatric drugs. This review examines how psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD), ketamine, and propofol interact with microglia to produce therapeutic effects. The authors detail pathways including sigma-1 receptors, serotonin and GABA signaling, and tryptophan metabolism through which these agents modulate microglial activity and inflammation, likely contributing to their benefits in mood disorders and addiction. The paper also discusses future directions, including implications for aging, glial cell heterogeneity, and advanced research methods.
Elsevier eBooks
January 1, 2026
Antonio Inserra, Jared VanderZwaag, Antonella Campanale et al.
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, play a crucial role in neuroinflammation linked to cognitive decline. In a study involving 200 participants, those with higher levels of specific alkaloids showed a 30% reduction in neurodegeneration markers. The findings highlight how psychedelics could enhance neuroprotection by modulating histone activity and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This intersection of neuroscience and psychology suggests that epigenetics may offer new avenues for addressing neuroinflammation and improving cognitive health, paving the way for innovative drug studies in treating age-related disorders.
Frontiers in neuroscience
January 1, 2025
Antonio Inserra, Colin J Murray, Antonella Campanale et al.
Rapid-acting antidepressants, such as ketamine and serotonergic psychedelics, may affect myelin homeostasis. A systematic review of 41 studies (12 in humans, 21 in animals, 7 in vitro, and 1 computational) found that these drugs modulate myelination in a dose- and exposure-dependent manner: therapeutic doses generally promote myelin integrity and oligodendrocyte maturation, while high or repeated doses, or neonatal exposure, can disrupt myelin structure, impair oligodendrocyte viability, and produce cognitive, affective, and neurotoxic side effects. Myelin regulation may be a component of antidepressant action, but further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and implications for therapy.