Exploring DMT: Endogenous role and therapeutic potential.
Neuropharmacology May 1, 2025 Jakub Schimmelpfennig, Kamila Jankowiak-Siuda 47 citations
DMT, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in plants, animals, and humans, may have a broader biological role than previously understood. Recent studies have found DMT levels in rodent brains comparable to classical neurotransmitters, challenging earlier reports of only trace amounts. This review examines DMT's biosynthetic pathways, focusing on the enzyme INMT and its isoforms, and how physiological conditions like stress and hypoxia influence DMT levels. DMT's lipophilic properties allow it to cross cell membranes and activate intracellular 5-HT2A receptors, contributing to neuroplasticity. The widespread evolutionary presence of DMT's biosynthetic pathways suggests essential roles in development and cellular adaptation, highlighting potential clinical applications.