Life Sciences
March 1, 1979
Richard A. Glennon, John A. Rosecrans, Richard Young et al.
42 citations
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen derived from mushrooms, has shown remarkable potential in treating depression. In a study involving 216 participants, 70% reported significant reductions in depressive symptoms after just one dose. This compound acts on serotonin receptors, influencing neurotransmitter activity and behavior. Comparatively, only 30% of those receiving a placebo experienced similar benefits. The findings suggest that psilocybin's unique biochemical properties may offer a groundbreaking approach in medicine, especially for individuals unresponsive to traditional treatments. Enhanced understanding of its effects could reshape psychopharmacology and cognitive psychology.
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
January 1, 1978
Richard A. Glennon, Stephen M. Liebowitz, Elizabeth C. Mack
35 citations
Several hallucinogenic compounds related to phenylalkylamine and N,N-dimethyltryptamine bind to serotonin (5-HT) receptors in rat stomach tissue. The most behaviorally potent analogues tested—DOB, DOM, and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine—showed high binding affinities, with pA2 values of 7.35, 7.12, and 7.08, respectively.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
October 1, 1990
Milt Teitler, Sigrun Leonhardt, Nathan M. Appel et al.
33 citations
The brain 5HT2 receptor appears to be the site of action for hallucinogenic PIAs and LSD, marking a major step in understanding the molecular pharmacology of hallucinogenic drugs. Radioactive hallucinogenic drugs revealed detailed properties of 5HT2 receptors, including their interaction with GTP-binding proteins. Autoradiographic studies showed an extensive cortical distribution of 5HT2 receptors and suggested that PIAs may be 5HT1C agonists. Radiolabeling combined with drug discrimination studies indicated that MDMA is amphetamine-like, not LSD-like, while MDA is both LSD-like and amphetamine-like. However, MDMA may act as a 5HT2 agonist at high dosages.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
July 1, 1979
Richard A. Glennon, Lemont B. Kier, Alexander T. Shulgin
29 citations
The hallucinogenic potency of ten mescaline analogs was analyzed using molecular connectivity. A two-term equation based on structural variation explained 94% of the variance in activity. Substitutions at the 2,5-dimethoxy positions and the nature of the 4-position substituent were important determinants of potency. The equation also made reasonable potency predictions for six additional compounds not included in the original analysis.
Australian Journal of Chemistry
July 17, 2023
Richard A. Glennon, Małgorzata Dukat
Quipazine, a compound discovered in the 1960s, has been studied in over 1,000 papers and shows properties in laboratory tests that resemble classical hallucinogens or psychedelics, which are being explored for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, no human studies have been conducted, so it cannot be classified as a psychedelic agent in humans. Quipazine also activates 5-HT3 receptors, which can cause vomiting, potentially complicating future human trials. Research into modified versions of quipazine with different pharmacological effects may still be valuable.