Brain Research Bulletin
April 30, 2016
Theresa M. Carbonaro, Michael B. Gatch
258 citations
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid found in plants and animals, known for producing brief, intense psychedelic effects. Evidence suggests endogenous DMT may act as a neurotransmitter in the periphery and central nervous system. This review covers recreational use, potential endogenous roles, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, clinical uses, and adverse effects. DMT appears to have limited neurotoxicity and few adverse effects, except for intense cardiovascular effects when given intravenously in large doses. It may be a useful experimental tool for exploring brain function and a clinical tool for treating anxiety and psychosis.
Brain Research Bulletin
March 11, 2016
Elisabet Domínguez‐clavé, Joaquim Soler, Matilde Elices et al.
220 citations
Ayahuasca, a tea made from the vine Banisteriopsis caapi and often combined with Psychotria viridis leaves, induces a transient altered state of consciousness marked by introspection, visions, enhanced emotions, and personal memory recall. Its psychoactive effects come from N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, and β-carboline alkaloids that inhibit monoamine oxidase. A growing body of evidence suggests ayahuasca may help treat substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression. The review discusses how ayahuasca intake increases mindfulness facets related to acceptance and detached observation of thoughts and emotions. The authors conclude ayahuasca shows promise for enhancing self-acceptance and enabling safe exposure to emotional events, potentially useful for impulse-related, personality, and substance use disorders and trauma, though more research is needed.
Brain Research Bulletin
May 4, 2016
Rachel R. Horsley, Eva Lhotková, Kateřina Hájková et al.
38 citations
Methoxetamine (MXE), a novel psychoactive compound used as a substitute for ketamine, was tested in Wistar rats across a series of behavioral tasks. At lower doses (5 and 10 mg/kg), MXE stimulated locomotion, increased thigmotaxis, and decreased time spent in the center of an open field, indicating anxiogenic effects. At a higher dose (40 mg/kg), it reduced locomotion and increased time in the center, suggesting sedation or anesthesia. MXE disrupted prepulse inhibition (PPI) and reduced habituation. The drug accumulated in the brain, with brain-to-serum ratios between 2.06 and 2.93, and its effects lasted at least 60–90 minutes.
Brain Research Bulletin
May 1, 1977
David E. Nichols, William Pfister, G.k.w. Yim et al.
10 citations
The S-(-) enantiomer of 2-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (2-AT) produces selective central effects in mice and rabbits that resemble those of hallucinogens such as mescaline. A stereochemical analysis of these findings suggests that the structural relationship between mescaline and other phenethylamine-type hallucinogens may involve a correspondence between the aromatic ring of the phenethylamines and the pyrrole portion of the indole nucleus in LSD.
Brain Research Bulletin
October 27, 2025
Shu Wang, Wei Song, Yuanyuan Gao et al.
A single dose of esketamine rapidly improved depressive-like behavior in a mouse model of Parkinson disease. The drug increased expression of GPR109A in the medial prefrontal cortex and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Blocking GPR109A with mepenzolate bromide eliminated these benefits, indicating that GPR109A signaling is necessary for esketamine's antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects. The findings suggest that esketamine alleviates Parkinson-related depression by suppressing microglial inflammation via GPR109A.
Brain Research Bulletin
February 1, 2022
Yan Wei, Tong Wang, Lei Liao et al.
The spleen filters blood and supports the immune system. New evidence shows it also influences brain function in health and disease through immune modulation. In mice, systemic inflammation or chronic social defeat stress causes spleen enlargement (splenomegaly). The antidepressant arketamine can reverse both splenomegaly and depression-like behaviors in stressed mice. A direct brain-to-spleen pathway exists: neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and central amygdala regulate humoral immune defense. Vagal nerve signaling also contributes to brain-spleen communication. This review summarizes recent findings on the brain-spleen axis.