Beyond the toad's kiss: Mapping acute 5-MeO-DMT effects on brain connectivity across sex and dose using awake rat neuroimaging
Noah Cavallaro, Priya Rai, David Akins, Sima Soltanpour, Md Taufiq Nasseef, Richard J. Ortiz, Dan Madularu, Praveen Kulkarni, Craig F. Ferris
Neuropharmacology March 6, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2026.110886 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn a first-ever fMRI study of 5-MeO-DMT, a fast-acting psychedelic, brain activity changes were observed that match its quick onset and short peak effects. A previously unknown sex difference in how the brain responds to the drug was also identified. The findings align with the drug's unique pharmacology and clinical reports, offering new insights into its neural effects.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | 5-MeO-DMT |
| Keywords | Neuroscience Medicine Wakefulness Brain mapping Anesthesia |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | The fMRI characterization of 5-MeO-DMT reveals a previously unreported sex difference in psychedelic response. |
Abstract
To our knowledge, this is the first fMRI characterization of 5-MeO-DMT in any species, and it reveals a previously unreported sex difference in psychedelic response. The rapid onset and brief duration of peak effects align with 5-MeO-DMT's unique pharmacological profile and clinical reports.