Low Doses of LSD Acutely Increase BDNF Blood Plasma Levels in Healthy Volunteers
Nadia R. P. W. Hutten, Natasha L. Mason, Patrick C. Dolder, Eef L. Theunissen, Friederike Holze, Matthias E. Liechti, Nimmy Varghese, Anne Eckert, Amanda Feilding, Johannes G. Ramaekers, Kim P. C. Kuypers
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science August 31, 2020 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00099 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractLow doses of LSD (5, 10, and 20 μg) increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in blood plasma, a marker of neuroplasticity. In a placebo-controlled within-subject study with healthy volunteers, BDNF levels rose at 4 hours after 5 μg and at 6 hours after both 5 and 20 μg, compared to placebo. This suggests that even low doses of LSD can acutely enhance neuroplasticity, supporting further research in patient populations for psychiatric conditions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Placebo-controlled within-subject study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Healthy volunteers |
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Placebo Plasma levels Internal medicine Blood plasma |
| Citations | 134 |
| Key finding | LSD at 5 and 20 μg increased BDNF blood plasma levels at 4 and 6 hours compared to placebo. |
Abstract
Despite preclinical evidence for psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity, confirmation in humans is grossly lacking. Given the increased interest in using low doses of psychedelics for psychiatric indications and the importance of neuroplasticity in the therapeutic response, this placebo-controlled within-subject study investigated the effect of single low doses of LSD (5, 10, and 20 μg) on circulating BDNF levels in healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected every 2 h over 6 h, and BDNF levels were determined afterward in blood plasma using ELISA. The findings demonstrated an increase in BDNF blood plasma levels at 4 h (5 μg) and 6 h (5 and 20 μg) compared to that for the placebo. The finding that LSD acutely increases BDNF levels warrants studies in patient populations.