Psychedelic concentrations of nitrous oxide reduce functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor cortical networks.
Rui Dai, Zirui Huang, Tony E. Larkin, Vijay Tarnal, Paul Picton, Phillip E. Vlisides, Ellen Janke, Amy McKinney, Anthony G. Hudetz, Richard E. Harris, George A. Mashour
Commun Biol December 19, 2023 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05678-1 via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAt concentrations that produce psychedelic effects, nitrous oxide reduces the functional differentiation—the distinctness of activity patterns—within frontoparietal and somatomotor cortical networks. This suggests that the gas alters brain network organization, potentially contributing to its consciousness-altering properties. The finding points to a neural mechanism underlying the non-ordinary state induced by nitrous oxide, involving reduced specialization of key brain regions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Nitrous oxide |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness |
| Keywords | Nitrous oxide N2o Laughing gas Neuroscience Brain function |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key finding | Psychedelic concentrations of nitrous oxide reduce functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor cortical networks. |
Abstract
Psychedelic concentrations of nitrous oxide reduce functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor cortical networks.