Research Square
June 7, 2024
Målin Schmidt, Anne Hoffrichter, Mahnaz Davoudi et al.
5 citations
Psilocin, the psychoactive metabolite of psilocybin, triggers a cascade of neuroplastic changes in human cortical neurons derived from stem cells. It reduces cell-surface 5-HT2A receptors, increases BDNF abundance, alters gene expression toward plasticity, enhances neuronal complexity and synaptic protein levels, and boosts excitability and network activity. These findings suggest psilocin induces a state of enhanced neuronal plasticity that may underlie its therapeutic effects in neuropsychiatric disorders involving synaptic dysfunction.
eLife
March 27, 2026
Malin Schmidt, Anne Hoffrichter, Mahnaz Davoudi et al.
3 citations
Psilocin, the psychoactive metabolite of psilocybin, increases BDNF abundance in human cortical neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells via the 5-HT2A receptor. Transcriptomic profiling shows gene expression changes that prime neurons for neuroplasticity. Morphologically, psilocin enhances neuronal complexity and increases synaptic proteins, especially in the postsynaptic compartment. Functionally, it leads to increased excitability and enhanced synaptic network activity. These findings suggest psilocin induces a state of enhanced neuronal plasticity, which may explain its therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatric disorders involving synaptic dysfunction.
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
October 10, 2025
Amel Bouloufa, Sarah Delcourte, Thomas Delannay et al.
3 citations
Major depressive disorder affects over 350 million people worldwide, and about 30% of those with the condition have treatment-resistant depression that does not respond adequately to standard antidepressants targeting serotonin, noradrenaline, or dopamine. Psychedelic medicines such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are being investigated as potential treatments because they affect both serotonergic and glutamatergic systems and may induce rapid, long-lasting antidepressant effects by facilitating neuroplasticity and adjusting neural communication even after the drug is cleared. Ongoing clinical trials are testing LSD's efficacy and safety in treatment-resistant depression while addressing placebo design and risk minimization.