Neuromodulatory mechanisms of N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Brain Network and Modulation July 1, 2023 Javier Hidalgo Jiménez 2 citations
DMT is a naturally occurring psychedelic with potent subjective effects and preliminary evidence for antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive properties. Its effects arise from neuromodulation of glutamatergic, monoaminergic, and cholinergic systems, causing acute shifts in brain networks including visual, auditive, and default-mode networks. Top-down cognitive processing becomes restricted while bottom-up processing is enhanced. DMT also induces neuroplasticity via sigma 1 receptor, BDNF, TrkB, and 5-HT2A, which may underlie therapeutic benefits. This review updates the neuromodulatory mechanisms of DMT, covering molecular targets, changes in cortical function and structure, neuroplasticity, and therapeutic relevance and risks.