Research Keyword: serotonin receptor

Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor expression is chronically decreased in the anterior cerebral cortex of male rats following repetitive low-level blast exposure

Military Veterans exposed to blast explosions often develop long-term problems with memory, anxiety, and PTSD. Researchers found that in rats exposed to blast, a brain receptor called 5-HT2A becomes less active, particularly in the front part of the brain involved in thinking and emotions. This decrease in the receptor correlates with anxiety-like behaviors in the animals. Since psychedelic substances like psilocybin activate this same receptor, the findings suggest that such substances might help treat PTSD and cognitive problems in blast-injured Veterans.

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The Effectiveness of Microdosed Psilocybin in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease: A Case Study

A 70-year-old man suffering from severe depression and anxiety caused by chronic Lyme disease and related tick-borne infections found relief after taking small doses of psilocybin mushrooms three times a week. Within days of starting treatment, his mood improved dramatically, and he remained symptom-free for two years. This case suggests that psilocybin’s ability to reduce inflammation in the brain may help patients with infectious-caused psychiatric conditions who cannot tolerate standard medications.

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Evaluation of the Indazole Analogs of 5-MeO-DMT and Related Tryptamines as Serotonin Receptor 2 Agonists

Researchers synthesized new drug candidates based on psychedelic molecules like 5-MeO-DMT, replacing the indole core with indazole scaffolds to potentially improve drug properties. While the lead compound VU6067416 showed excellent potency for serotonin receptors and favorable pharmacokinetics, it also activated 5-HT2B receptors strongly, raising safety concerns about heart problems. The study highlights the challenge of developing selective serotonin drugs and emphasizes the need for rigorous safety testing of psychedelic-based therapeutics.

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