IUPHAR Article: Psilocybin induces long-lasting effects via 5-HT2A receptors in mouse models of chronic pain.
Pharmacological research May 1, 2025 Eda Koseli, Belle Buzzi, Torin Honaker et al. 11 citations
Psilocybin and a similar psychedelic, DOI, reduced pain-related behaviors in mice with chronic pain. In a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced nerve damage, both drugs reversed sensitivity to cold and touch in a dose-dependent manner, with different timing of effects. In a model of persistent inflammatory pain, they also reversed sensitivity to heat. These pain-relieving effects depended on activation of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor. The findings suggest that classical psychedelics may be effective for treating chronic pain through this receptor pathway.