Combined Neuroprotective Effects of N,N‐Dimethyltryptamine and Ventral Root Reimplantation Following Spinal Root Avulsion in Rats
Journal of Neurochemistry January 29, 2026 Paola Andrea Caro Aponte, Edison Huertas Montoya, Ítalo Odone Mazali et al.
A combinatorial therapy combining surgical root reimplantation, a fibrin sealant biopolymer, and a low dose of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) extracted from Mimosa tenuiflora roots rescued motor neurons and reduced glial reactivity in a rat model of ventral root avulsion. Proximal axotomy caused 78% motor neuron loss, glial reactivity, and synaptic detachment. Daily DMT at 1 mg/kg for two weeks significantly increased motor neuron survival, reduced glial reactivity, and preserved pre-synaptic boutons. Combining DMT with surgical reimplantation further potentiated these effects and upregulated GDNF expression, suggesting a synergistic neuroprotective benefit. DMT shows promise as a neuroprotective agent for CNS/PNS interface injuries.