Usage of Psilocybin to Treat Huntington's Disease: A Research Protocol
Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal September 5, 2024 Cynthia Duan, Navid Farkhondehpay, Viana Safa et al. 1 citation
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive genetic neurodegenerative disorder with no cure. This study proposes using psilocybin, a compound with neuroprotective, neurotrophic, and neuroplastic effects, to treat neurodegeneration in HD. The experiment will use zQ175 knock-in mice, which model HD, and compare treated and untreated groups. After eight weeks, brain tissue will be analyzed for neuronal death and synaptic density, and motor control will be assessed via rotarod, raised beam, and footprint tests. The expected results are that treated mice will show lower neuronal death, higher synaptic density, and better motor performance than untreated mice. Success could lead to clinical trials for psilocybin in HD.