Age- and estrous-dependent effects of psilocybin in rats.
Neuropharmacology November 15, 2025 A L Zylko, R J Rakoczy, B F Roberts et al. 4 citations
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, may treat psychiatric disorders, but little is known about how sex and age influence its effects. In a preclinical study on rats, a 1 mg/kg dose of psilocybin did not cause head twitch responses in adolescents but did in adults. Adolescent exposure did not lead to lasting changes in anxiety or behavioral flexibility. Adult females in diestrus had stronger head twitch responses than those in proestrus. The findings indicate age- and sex-dependent differences in psilocybin's effects, with no long-term effects on certain behaviors after adolescent exposure, highlighting the need for inclusive research on age, sex, and hormonal status.