Effect of Psilocybin and Ketamine on Brain Neurotransmitters, Glutamate Receptors, DNA and Rat Behavior
International Journal of Molecular Sciences June 16, 2022 Adam Wojtas, Agnieszka Bysiek, Agnieszka Wawrzczak‐bargieła et al. 110 citations
Ketamine and psilocybin, both fast-acting antidepressants in clinical studies, increase extracellular levels of dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and GABA in the rat frontal cortex. Psilocybin also raises GABA in the reticular nucleus of the thalamus. However, both drugs cause oxidative DNA damage—psilocybin in the frontal cortex and both drugs in the hippocampus. Psilocybin at 10 mg/kg increases NR2A glutamate receptor subunit levels. Behavioral tests 24 hours after administration show no antidepressant or anxiolytic effects; only ketamine reduces locomotor activity. The observed neurotransmitter changes may lead to genotoxicity and altered receptor levels without markedly affecting behavior.