Exploring Hallucinogen Pharmacology and Psychedelic Medicine with Zebrafish Models
Zebrafish March 22, 2016 Evan J. Kyzar, Allan V. Kalueff 29 citations
Interest in using hallucinogens to treat brain disorders is reviving. Early studies show classic serotonergic hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin may help with addiction, PTSD, and anxiety, but basic pharmacological and toxicological questions remain. This paper discusses psychedelic medicine and the behavioral and toxic effects of hallucinogenic drugs in zebrafish, highlighting the fish as a model for screening both toxic and therapeutic effects of known and novel hallucinogenic compounds. Well-designed zebrafish studies could support the reemerging treatment paradigm of psychedelic medicine and open new clinical avenues for psychiatric disorders.