Psilocin, the Psychoactive Metabolite of Psilocybin, Modulates Select Neuroimmune Functions of Microglial Cells in a 5-HT2 Receptor-Dependent Manner
Molecules October 28, 2024 Ishvin Riar, Andis Klegeris, Kennedy R. Wiens et al. 21 citations
Psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, can reduce certain inflammatory activities of microglia, the brain's immune cells, without affecting tumor necrosis factor secretion. In microglia-like cell lines, psilocin at non-toxic concentrations significantly inhibited phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species release, and nitric oxide production. These inhibitory effects on reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide were similar to those of selective 5-HT2R agonists 25I-NBOH and Ro60-0175, and were blocked by 5-HT2R antagonists cyproheptadine and risperidone, indicating the role of 5-HT2 receptors. Psilocin is suggested as a potential drug candidate for neuroimmune disorders like neurodegenerative diseases where reactive microglia contribute.