MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Changes in synaptic markers after administration of ketamine or psychedelics: a systematic scoping review

Summary

This review examines how ketamine and psychedelics affect connections between brain cells. Under stressful conditions, ketamine and psychedelics appear to strengthen these connections in brain areas important for mood and learning. However, the effects are mixed under normal conditions and vary based on dose, sex, and which specific markers are measured. The findings suggest these substances may help restore brain function damaged by stress or substance use.

Background

Ketamine and psychedelics have abuse liability but also induce transformative experiences with enhanced awareness that may benefit substance use disorder treatment. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest these substances alter synaptic density markers, potentially underlying effects like sensitization, conditioned place preference, and memory performance.

Objective

This systematic scoping review examined studies measuring synaptic markers in animals and humans after exposure to ketamine and/or psychedelics to understand how these agents affect synaptic structural and protein changes.

Results

Eighty-four studies were included: 71 on ketamine, 9 on psychedelics, and 4 on both. Ketamine showed mixed results under basal conditions but consistently counteracted stress-related reductions in synaptic markers in hippocampus and PFC. Psychedelics generally increased synaptic markers, with LSD showing the most consistent positive effects.

Conclusion

Ketamine and psychedelics can increase synaptic markers under certain conditions, particularly when administered during or after stress. Heterogeneous findings relate to methodological differences, agents used, sex differences, and marker types. Future studies should use meta-analytical approaches to address mixed results and better consider individual differences.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Psychiatry,
  • Study Type:Systematic Scoping Review,
  • Source: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1197890, PMID: 37435405
Scroll to Top