Addressing the Current Knowledge and Gaps in Research SurroundingLysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Psilocybin, and Psilocin in RodentModels
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry July 6, 2023 Udoka C. Ezeaka, Hye Ji J. Kim, Robert B. Laprairie 1 citation
LSD, psilocybin, and psilocin are being evaluated as potential treatments for depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and other psychiatric conditions. Pre-clinical research in rodents is key to their drug development. This review summarizes evidence on these compounds in rodent models of the psychedelic experience, behavior, substance use, alcohol consumption, drug discrimination, anxiety, depression-like behavior, stress response, and pharmacokinetics. The authors identify three knowledge gaps for future research: sex differences, oral dosing instead of injection, and chronic dosing regimens. A thorough understanding of the in vivo pharmacology of these compounds may aid their clinical use and serve as controls for developing novel psychedelic therapeutics.