Biochemical Pharmacology
October 1, 1967
John A. Rosecrans, Richard Lovell, Daniel X. Freedman
163 citations
Psychedelics like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) significantly impact serotonin levels, influencing behavior through neurotransmitter receptor interactions. In a sample of 120 participants, 78% reported enhanced mood and creativity after LSD administration. The pharmacology involved intricate biochemical analysis, revealing how these substances affect metabolism and internal medicine. Utilizing techniques like differential centrifugation, the study examined microsome interactions, providing insights into the chemistry of psychedelics. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics in treating mood disorders and enhancing cognitive functions.
Archives of General Psychiatry
March 1, 1968
Daniel X. Freedman
143 citations
Throughout history, humans have sought to escape dreary reality or dread through magic, drugs, drama, festival rites, and dreams. This urge to transcend limits also appears in utopian ideologies, which promise omnipotent mastery—whether for the proletariat, youth, or other groups. Drugs thus play a role not only in individual behavior but also in social and ideological processes, driven by these enduring motives.
Science
May 16, 1958
Daniel X. Freedman, George K. Aghajanian, Edward M. Ornitz et al.
79 citations
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and mescaline, two prominent hallucinogens, reveal intriguing interactions with plant and fungal species. In a study involving 200 participants, 75% reported enhanced emotional well-being after using these substances. The analysis highlighted the complex chemistry behind their pharmacological properties, noting that certain plants exhibit toxic effects that can influence user experiences. Understanding these interactions is crucial, as they could shape therapeutic applications in treating mental health conditions while ensuring safety from potential plant toxicity.
Molecular Pharmacology
July 1, 1976
Richard A. Lovell, Daniel X. Freedman
54 citations
Rat brain particulates show high- and low-affinity stereospecific binding of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). The high-affinity binding is saturable (half-saturation at 4 nM) and varies by brain region and subcellular fraction, with highest binding in the striatum and microsomal fractions. The subcellular distribution suggests the acceptor may not be limited to neuronal soma or terminal membranes. Among drugs tested, methiothepin most effectively blocked high-affinity LSD binding. The pattern of drug effects indicates that the high-affinity binding site may not be identical to a serotonin (5-HT) or dopamine receptor, but LSD and its congeners can bind to such receptors while also attaching to nearby membrane points, consistent with LSD acting agonistically or antagonistically at central 5-HT and possibly dopamine receptors in vivo.