Psilocybin: Reaction with a Fraction of Rat Brain
Science January 13, 1967 DOI: 10.1126/science.155.3759.207 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound, produced a blue color when mixed with a specific subfraction of rat-brain mitochondria that likely contains nerve-ending particles. The color formation intensified with higher pH, did not need oxygen, and involved an insoluble component. Chemically related neuroactive substances like bufotenine and serotonin did not cause this effect, and only tyramine or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blocked the reaction.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Laboratory experiment Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Rat-brain mitochondria subfraction |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid Chemistry |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin produces a blue color with a specific rat-brain mitochondrial subfraction, a reaction not shared by similar compounds and antagonized only by tyramine or EDTA. |
Abstract
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, formed a blue color with a subfraction of rat-brain mitochondria believed to contain nerve-ending particles. Color formation increased with p H, did not require oxygen, and involved a component that could not be solubilized. The effect was not shown by chemically related neuroactive compounds, such as bufotenine and serotonin, and was antagonized by only tyramine or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.