Effects of the hallucinogen psilocybin on habituation and prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex in humans
Behavioural Pharmacology November 1, 1998 Euphrosyne Gouzoulis‐mayfrank, Karsten Heekeren, B. Thelen et al. 79 citations
In a small double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 12 healthy subjects, the hallucinogen psilocybin increased prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex, contrary to findings from animal models where hallucinogens disrupt PPI. Psilocybin had no clear effect on habituation of the startle reflex. These preliminary results suggest that the effects of hallucinogens on sensorimotor gating may differ between humans and animals, possibly due to differences in dose regimens or experimental parameters. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between hallucinogen-induced states and naturally occurring psychoses.