In a groundbreaking study that’s got both scientists and mice feeling a bit more chill, researchers have discovered that the anti-anxiety and hallucinogenic effects of psychedelics are like siblings who can’t stand each other—they operate through different neural circuits! Using our furry little friends as models, the team found that psychedelics like DOI could reduce anxiety without sending the mice on a psychedelic light show. This magic happens by targeting specific neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, which sounds fancy and probably is.
To spot these neurons, the researchers used a tool with a snazzy name, scFLARE2, and then played a game of optogenetic tag to calm the mice without getting them trippy. The takeaway? It’s not just about the chemistry; the real party’s in the neural circuit targeting. So, future drugs might be able to chill you out without making your walls melt.
The study further delved into how activating cells with 5-HT2AR receptors can cause brain network shenanigans, suggesting the action goes beyond just those initial cells. They focused on understanding these circuit mechanics with psychedelics like DOI—though, spoiler alert, DOI isn’t being lined up for therapeutic fame.
Led by brainy duo Jessie Muir and Sophia Lin, the research was funded by a host of noble institutions, including the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the NIH, ensuring the mice had their anxiety reduced in a lab funded by the best. In the end, this research could pave the way to developing safer, non-hallucinogenic psychedelics so you can keep your cool without the kaleidoscope effect.
Published Date: 2024-11-14