University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Nottingham
58 papers in the library · 3,287 citations · publishing 1975-2025
ChemInform August 17, 1999 David E. Nichols, Steward Frescas 2 citations
The text describes ChemInform, a weekly abstracting service that extracts concise information from about 100 leading journals. It explains how to access the full abstract of an article published elsewhere and how to track the original article via references.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) December 13, 2023 David E. Nichols, Peter S. Hendricks, Charles D. Nichols 1 citation
The authors argue that the term 'psychedelic' is being applied so broadly in recent scientific literature that it risks losing its meaning. They respond to two other articles, contending that not all altered states of consciousness or therapeutic experiences qualify as psychedelic. The piece calls for more precise terminology to preserve the distinctiveness of classic psychedelics and their effects, warning that overextension could dilute scientific classification and hinder research into specific mechanisms and therapeutic applications.
BMJ May 2, 2023 Leslie A. King, David Nutt, David E. Nichols 1 citation
The authors argue that regulations governing clinical research on Schedule 1 drugs, which are classified as having high abuse potential and no accepted medical use, should be reassessed. They contend that such classification unnecessarily impedes scientific investigation into substances with therapeutic potential, such as certain psychedelics. The piece advocates for a review of the scheduling system to facilitate research that could lead to medical treatments, while maintaining appropriate controls to prevent misuse.
UNC Libraries April 22, 2020 Peter J. Hellyer, Luke T. Williams, Ben Sessa et al. 1 citation
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in microgram doses produces profound, sometimes life-changing experiences and is a uniquely powerful psychoactive substance. In the first modern neuroimaging study of LSD, marked changes in brain blood flow, electrical activity, and network communication patterns were observed. These changes correlated strongly with the drug's hallucinatory and consciousness-altering properties. The findings have implications for understanding the neurobiology of consciousness and for potential applications of LSD in psychological research.
UNC Libraries October 31, 2020 Adam Pigott, Bryan L. Roth, Xi‐ping Huang et al.
Replacing the ethylamine side chain of the psychedelic compounds DOI and DOB with a cyclopropylamine group produced new molecules that bind strongly to 5-HT2 family serotonin receptors. The most potent version had the (−)-(1R,2S)-configuration. However, these cyclopropane analogs also showed increased affinity for other serotonin receptor subtypes beyond 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B, making them less selective than the original compounds. At appropriate doses, they may serve as research tools for studying 5-HT2 receptor function, but their reduced selectivity for 5-HT2A receptors must be considered.
UNC Libraries April 22, 2020 David E. Nichols
Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognition, are physiologically safe, and do not cause addiction. They act as agonists at brain serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, especially on layer V neocortical pyramidal cells. Recent double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2 studies of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in patients with cancer-related psychosocial distress showed unprecedented relief of anxiety and depression. Two small pilot studies also showed positive benefits for alcohol and nicotine addiction. Imaging after intravenous psilocybin and LSD revealed decreased oscillatory power in the brain's default mode network.
Journal of Psychopharmacology July 14, 2019 Livia Ng, Luca Pani, Anaïs Soula et al.
Claims about the positive effects of microdosing psychedelics on mood and cognition have entered public discussion, but scientific studies are scarce and no consensus on what microdosing means exists. This critique identifies questions future research must answer and offers guidelines, focusing on psilocybin due to its potential clinical approval and short-lasting effects. While anecdotal reports emphasize benefits, the paper concludes that future studies should also investigate potential risks of repeated low-dose administrations. Preclinical and clinical research examining biological measures like heart rate and receptor turnover, as well as cognitive parameters such as memory and attention, is needed to uncover possible negative consequences.
The FASEB Journal April 1, 2012 David Martin, David E. Nichols, Charles D. Nichols
A novel rat model of schizophrenia was developed by treating rats with low doses of LSD for three months. This treatment caused persistent behavioral abnormalities including social deficits, hyperactivity, and anhedonia that continued after the drug was stopped. Protein analysis of the medial prefrontal cortex identified 12 differentially expressed proteins, 9 of which are also dysregulated in post-mortem brain tissue from people with schizophrenia. RNA sequencing showed that chronic LSD alters genes across all major neurotransmitter systems linked to schizophrenia, with many changes involving synaptic plasticity. The findings support chronic LSD treatment as a valid model for studying schizophrenia and may provide insights into the disease's underlying mechanisms.