Animal Models of Serotonergic Psychedelics

The serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptor is the primary target of psychedelic drugs like LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. These substances produce profound changes in cognition, emotion, and sensory processing that seem uniquely human, raising questions about the validity of animal models. However, recent research indicates that behavioral abnormalities induced by psychedelics in rodents can predict effects in humans. This review examines the behavioral effects of psychedelic drugs in rodent models, evaluates the translational potential of these findings, and identifies areas needing further research to clarify the molecular mechanisms and neural circuits underlying their neuropsychological effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptor is the major target of psychedelic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin. Serotonergic psychedelics induce profound effects on cognition, emotion, and sensory processing that often seem uniquely human. This raises questions about the validity of animal models of psychedelic drug action. Nonetheless, recent findings suggest behavioral abnormalities elicited by psychedelics in rodents that predict such effects in humans. Here we review the behavioral effects induced by psychedelic drugs in rodent models, discuss the translational potential of these findings, and define areas where further research is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms and neuronal circuits underlying their neuropsychological effects.