Robust Methods For Quantifying Neuronal Morphology And Molecular Signaling Reveal That Psychedelics Do Not Induce Neuroplasticity
bioRxiv Preprint Server March 4, 2024 Umed Boltaev, Hyun W. Park, Keaon R. Brown et al. 4 citations preprint
Classic psychedelics are thought to work by inducing neuroplasticity, often measured as dendritic arbor growth. This study tested whether psychedelics directly activate the TrkB receptor or BDNF/TrkB signaling, and whether they cause morphological growth in primary cortical neurons. Using a multimodal screening platform, the authors found that psychedelics do not directly modulate TrkB or BDNF-TrkB signaling, and that 5-HT2A receptor expression and functional levels are low. Psychedelics did not induce dendritogenesis, unlike BDNF which did. These results challenge previous findings and highlight the need for rigorous methods in studying neuroplasticity.