A Morphologic Study of the Effects of LSD on Neurons in Cultures of Cerebellum
Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology July 1, 1972 Walter Hendelman 14 citations
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) primarily targets the lysosomal system within neurons. In organotypic cultures of mouse cerebellum exposed to LSD for up to 53 hours, coarse granules developed in the cytoplasm of mature neurons and outgrowth cells. Electron microscopy revealed these granules were dense bodies, specifically lysosomes, which became heterogeneous dense bodies over time. Synaptic junctions and other organelles remained unchanged. The findings suggest LSD enters cells and interacts with lysosomes, potentially altering neuronal excitability through increased endocytosis or shifts in internal metabolism, which may underlie behavioral changes.