Journal
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
Volume 277, Issue -, Pages 99-120Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.07.016
Keywords
Psychedelic; 5-HT2A receptor; Head twitch; Prefrontal cortex; Visual effects
Categories
Funding
- NIMH [K01 MH100644]
- NIDA [R01 DA002925]
- Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
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Serotonergic hallucinogens, such as (+)-lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, and mescaline, are somewhat enigmatic substances. Although these drugs are derived from multiple chemical families, they all produce remarkably similar effects in animals and humans, and they show cross-tolerance. This article reviews the evidence demonstrating the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is the primary site of hallucinogen action. The 5-HT2A receptor is responsible for mediating the effects of hallucinogens in human subjects, as well as in animal behavioral paradigms such as drug discrimination, head twitch response, prepulse inhibition of startle, exploratory behavior, and interval timing. Many recent clinical trials have yielded important new findings regarding the psychopharmacology of these substances. Furthermore, the use of modern imaging and electrophysiological techniques is beginning to help unravel how hallucinogens work in the brain. Evidence is also emerging that hallucinogens may possess therapeutic efficacy. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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