Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
April 4, 2025
Claudio Agnorelli, Kate Godfrey, Gabriela Sawicka et al.
32 citations
Classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, N,N-DMT) and non-classic psychedelics (ketamine, MDMA) enhance neuroplasticity—the nervous system's ability to adapt—through molecular, structural, and functional changes. Animal studies indicate these drugs induce meta-plasticity (heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli) and hyper-plasticity (re-opening developmental windows for long-term structural changes), with implications for mood and behavior. Translating these findings to humans faces challenges due to limitations in current imaging techniques, but promising new directions include novel PET radioligands, non-invasive brain stimulation, and multimodal approaches. This review informs the development of targeted interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders.
arXiv (Cornell University)
November 29, 2024
Claudio Agnorelli, Meg J. Spriggs, Kate Godfrey et al.
2 citations
Classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, N,N-DMT) and non-classic psychedelics (ketamine, MDMA) enhance neuroplasticity, the nervous system's ability to adapt. Animal studies indicate these drugs induce meta-plasticity, heightening sensitivity to environmental stimuli, and hyper-plasticity, reopening developmental windows for long-term structural changes that affect mood and behavior. Translating these findings to humans is challenged by limitations in current imaging techniques, but emerging approaches like novel PET radioligands, non-invasive brain stimulation, and multimodal methods offer promising directions. This review informs development of targeted interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders and advances understanding of psychedelics' therapeutic potential.
bioRxiv Preprint Server
May 1, 2025
Claudio Agnorelli, Joseph Peill, Gabriela Sawicka et al.
preprint
A single psychedelic dose of ketamine (1 mg/kg, intravenous) alters brain chemistry and connectivity in healthy people for at least one to eight days. After the dose, glutamate levels in the anterior cingulate cortex rose significantly. Functional connectivity decreased within high-order networks such as the default mode network, while integration between low- and high-order networks increased. Increases in a PET marker of synaptic plasticity correlated with reduced intrinsic activity in default mode network regions and a diminished influence of the posterior cingulate cortex on global network dynamics. The posterior cingulate cortex appears to be a central hub through which ketamine may reshape brain hierarchies over the long term.
arXiv Preprint Archive
November 29, 2024
Claudio Agnorelli, Meg Spriggs, Kate Godfrey et al.
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can rewire brain connections after just one dose, unlike traditional psychiatric medications. These compounds boost the brain's natural plasticity, helping neurons form new pathways and adapt to change. Studies show they create a window of enhanced learning and adaptation, leading to lasting improvements in mood and behavior.