Exploring a mechanism of psychedelics

Using psychedelics to treat psychiatric diseases has become less controversial as scientists continue to reveal their underlying mechanisms. In a new eNeuro paper, researchers led by Pavel Ortinski, from the University of Kentucky, used male rats to assess how psychedelic drugs target the claustrum, a brain region with many receptors that psychedelics interact with. 

The researchers found that activating claustrum neurons targeting a cognitive area implicated in psychiatric diseases (the anterior cingulate cortex) under psychedelic drug exposure strengthened projections onto these claustrum neurons. This did not occur when activating the neurons in normal conditions. 

Says Ortinski, “One idea is that the intensely memorable experience common during psychedelic ‘trips’ is critical for success in psychiatric treatment. Neurons are thought to encode memories by strengthening their connections with other neurons, so this pathway may be the mechanism through which psychedelics intensify memories.” Ortinski hopes to continue exploring whether this mechanism contributes to the success of psychedelics in alleviating psychiatric disease symptoms. 

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About eNeuro 

eNeuro is an online, open-access journal published by the Society for Neuroscience. Established in 2014, eNeuro publishes a wide variety of content, including research articles, short reports, reviews, commentaries and opinions. 

About The Society for Neuroscience 

The Society for Neuroscience is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1969, now has nearly 35,000 members in more than 95 countries.