Molecular targets of psychedelic‐induced plasticity

Psychedelic research is accelerating across disciplines and biological levels. Much of this work explores how psychedelic effects relate to therapeutic benefits, with the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor central to understanding their impact on human psychology. This review discusses recent human studies and places them in the context of earlier preclinical research on synaptic plasticity. It highlights knowledge gaps, challenges, and limitations in evaluating how psychedelics may produce antidepressant effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Psychedelic research across different disciplines and biological levels is growing at a remarkably fast pace. In the prospect of a psychedelic drug becoming again an approved treatment, much of these efforts have been oriented toward exploring the relationship between the actual psychedelic effects and those manifestations of therapeutic interest. Considering the central role of the serotonin 5‐HT 2A receptor in the distinct effects of psychedelics in human psyche, neuropharmacology sits at the center of this debate and exploratory continuum. Here we discuss some of the most recent findings in human studies and contextualize them considering previous preclinical models studying phenomena related to synaptic plasticity. A special emphasis is placed on knowledge gaps, challenges, and limitations to evaluate the underpinnings of psychedelics’ potential antidepressant action. image