Cytogenetic Effects of LSD 25 Therapy in Man

Chromosomes from leukocytes of patients receiving intravenous lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD 25) were examined for aberrations. Before therapy, aberration frequencies in three of four patients matched those of control subjects. After each of three doses (usually 200 μg), some increase in aberration frequency and new types of aberrations appeared. However, follow-up samples taken one to six months after the final dose showed a return to control levels. The authors conclude that continued experimental therapy is not strongly contraindicated, but these results do not minimize potential cytogenetic hazards suggested by studies of drug abuse.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Chromosomes have been studied in leukocytes cultured from patients undergoing experimental therapy with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD 25). Aberration frequencies prior to therapy were established for three of the four patients; these were comparable to frequencies in control subjects. Following each of three doses given intravenously (usually 200μg per dose), each patient's chromosomes were reexamined. Some increase in aberration frequency was observed, along with the appearance of some types of aberration not present before treatment. However, a return to control levels occurred in follow-up samples taken one to six months after the final dose was administered. We feel therefore that continued experimental therapy is not strongly contraindicated. On the other hand, these results can not be construed to minimize the possible cytogenetic hazards suggested by other studies concerned primarily with drug abuse.