CSF galanin and noradrenaline downregulation by psilocybin therapy in major depressive disorder
Neuropsychopharmacology July 7, 2026 Wojciech Pasławski, D Doyon, Carl Johan Ekman et al.
Psilocybin, a rapid-acting antidepressant, reduces levels of the neuropeptide galanin and noradrenaline in cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting that normalization of these co-transmitters is a key pharmacodynamic effect. This finding comes from a secondary analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with multimodal biomarker measurements. The results indicate a selective effect of psilocybin on these specific neurotransmitters, offering insight into its mechanism of action in major depressive disorder.