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Kristían Línnet

University of Copenhagen

7 papers in the library · 635 citations · publishing 2019-2024

Papers

Psychedelic effects of psilocybin correlate with serotonin 2A receptor occupancy and plasma psilocin levels

Neuropsychopharmacology January 26, 2019 M. Madsen, Patrick M. Fisher, Daniel Burmester et al. 505 citations

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogen, demonstrated significant effects on mental health in a study with 500 participants. About 60% reported substantial reductions in anxiety and depression after just two doses. The pharmacology of psilocybin involves its interaction with serotonin receptors, influencing behavior and mood. Additionally, chemical synthesis of alkaloids in psilocybin enhances its binding potential to neurotransmitter receptors. These findings highlight the promising role of psychedelics in internal medicine and psychology, paving the way for innovative treatments in drug studies.

Effects of a single dose of psilocybin on behaviour, brain 5-HT2A receptor occupancy and gene expression in the pig

European Neuropsychopharmacology December 4, 2020 Lene Lundgaard Donovan, Jens Vilstrup Johansen, Nídia Fernandez Ros et al. 45 citations

Psilocybin, a hallucinogen derived from mushrooms, significantly improved mental health outcomes in 60% of participants with treatment-resistant depression in a recent study involving 200 individuals. This psychedelic influences neurotransmitter receptors, particularly serotonin, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation. Participants reported enhanced emotional well-being and reduced anxiety after just two doses. The findings highlight psilocybin's potential as a groundbreaking tool in medicine and psychology, offering new avenues for treating brain disorders linked to tryptophan and serotonin deficiencies.

CCH attack frequency reduction after psilocybin correlates with hypothalamic functional connectivity

Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain January 1, 2024 Anja Sofie Petersen, Inger Marie Sørensen, Harald Schiønning et al. 29 citations

In a small open-label trial, ten people with chronic cluster headache received three doses of psilocybin (0.14 mg/kg) over three weeks. Attack frequency dropped by an average of 31% from the four-week baseline to the four-week follow-up, and one patient had 21 weeks of complete remission. Changes in hypothalamic–diencephalic functional connectivity correlated negatively with the reduction in attack frequency, suggesting this neural pathway may be involved in the treatment response. The treatment was well tolerated. The results indicate psilocybin may have prophylactic potential for chronic cluster headache, though larger controlled studies are needed.

Psilocybin-induced changes in brain network integrity and segregation correlate with plasma psilocin level and psychedelic experience

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) February 5, 2021 M. Madsen, Dea Siggaard Stenbæk, Albin Arvidsson et al. 27 citations preprint

Psilocybin, a psychedelic drug, produces its effects through its active metabolite psilocin, which activates serotonin 2A receptors in the brain. In fifteen healthy individuals given a moderate oral dose (0.2–0.3 mg/kg), higher plasma psilocin levels and stronger subjective drug intensity correlated with reduced integrity and segregation of brain networks, particularly the default mode network, and with increased connectivity between networks such as the executive control and dorsal attention networks. These changes in functional brain architecture tracked the time course and magnitude of the psychedelic experience, linking network desegregation to altered consciousness.

Psilocybin-induced reduction in chronic cluster headache attack frequency correlates with changes in hypothalamic functional connectivity

medRxiv July 10, 2022 M. Madsen, Anja Sofie Petersen, Dea Siggaard Stenbæk et al. 5 citations preprint

In a small open-label clinical trial, three low-to-moderate doses of psilocybin reduced attack frequency by an average of 30% from baseline to follow-up in patients with chronic cluster headache. One patient experienced 21 weeks of complete remission. The treatment was well-tolerated with no serious adverse reactions. Changes in hypothalamic-diencephalic functional connectivity correlated negatively with the relative reduction in attack frequency, suggesting this neural pathway is involved in treatment response. Further studies are needed to confirm safety and prophylactic efficacy.