The Effect of Psilocybin on Cortical Neural Dynamics, Sleep-Wake Behavior, and Persistent Pain in a Rat Model
University of Michigan Library January 1, 2025 Nicholas Kolbman
Psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, has shown promise for treating chronic pain, especially conditions like fibromyalgia where pain occurs without clear physical injury. This dissertation investigated psilocybin's effects in awake healthy rats and in a rat model of persistent pain. Psilocybin demonstrated anti-nociceptive (pain-reducing) properties, with the insula's 5-HT2A receptors identified as a likely site of action. The work also characterized psilocybin's effects on neural dynamics and sleep-wake behavior. These findings provide a foundation for understanding how serotonergic psychedelics may alleviate chronic pain, which often co-occurs with psychiatric disorders and involves brain network abnormalities like those in the default mode network.