Neuropharmacology of CNS Disorders

A class of drugs that alter perception, thought, and mood, often causing hallucinations. They work by interacting with neurotransmitter systems in the brain, primarily serotonin.

A substance that produces hallucinations, found in psychedelic mushrooms. It acts on serotonin receptors in the brain.

A potent hallucinogen, synthesized from ergot alkaloids. Known for its intense and long-lasting effects, it's thought to act specifically on serotonin receptors.

A fungal disease that affects rye, producing toxins called ergot alkaloids. It causes vasoconstriction and can lead to gangrene and psychosis.

The chemical compound responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of peyote. It affects serotonin receptors in the brain, causing visual hallucinations, and altered perceptions.

A non-invasive imaging technique that uses radio waves and magnetic fields to create detailed images of the brain's structure.

A non-invasive imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. It shows which brain areas are more active during specific tasks.

A non-invasive imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to measure brain activity and metabolism. It can also assess neurotransmitter receptors.

A non-invasive imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to measure brain activity and metabolism. It can also assess neurotransmitter receptors.

A non-invasive imaging technique that measures electrical activity in the brain. It's often used to diagnose epilepsy and sleep disorders.

A non-invasive imaging technique that measures magnetic fields generated by the brain's electrical activity. It has higher temporal resolution than EEG and provides detailed information about brain function.

A non-invasive technique that tracks water movement in the brain to map white matter tracts (nerve bundles) and investigate brain connectivity.

A method of studying neurotransmitter function by analyzing their levels in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, and urine. It helps understand how neurotransmitters are involved in brain disorders.

A method used to study the brain after death, including analyzing protein and RNA levels, and the location of these molecules.

A specific type of genetic analysis that aims to identify genetic variations (mutations) that increase the risk of developing a disease.

Cells created from adult cells that can transform into any type of cell in the body, offering a powerful tool to study diseases and test treatments.

A human neuronal model that simulates the effects of a specific genetic mutation (SETD1A) associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. It can be used to study how this mutation impacts brain cells.

A technique that precisely modifies genes to study their function and to develop potential therapeutic treatments.

Living organisms (like flies, worms, mice, rats, and primates) used to study diseases in a controlled setting. They can have genetic modifications to mimic human conditions.

Drugs that mimic some of the symptoms of psychosis (like hallucinations and delusions), providing insights into the brain mechanisms underlying mental disorders.

The study of how the brain works, particularly focusing on the chemical and physical processes involved. This can offer clues about normal brain function and how it goes wrong in disorders.

The physical structure and organization of the brain, which is crucial for understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are generated.

LSD's ability to alter perception is linked to its action as an agonist of serotonin (5-HT) receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A subtype.

LSD's effects on perception are mediated by its interaction with 5-HT2A receptors found in the cortex and thalamus, key areas involved in sensory processing.

LSD increases activity in the locus coeruleus (LC), a brain region involved in arousal and attention.

The hallucinogenic potency of drugs is correlated with their ability to bind to 5-HT2A receptors. Specifically, the higher the affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor, the more potent the hallucinogenic effect.

While mescaline shares some similarities with LSD, it has a distinct mechanism of action. Mescaline does not affect activity in the raphe nucleus, a brain region associated with serotonin production.

LSD and mescaline share a similar structure to serotonin (5-HT), leading to cross-tolerance between them. This suggests both drugs act on the same type of receptor.

LSD acts as a partial agonist or antagonist of the serotonin (5-HT) receptor in the brain, influencing the way serotonin signals.

LSD's effect on brain regions involved in sensory processing and integration, like the thalamus and cortex, contribute to perceptual changes, including synesthesia.

The raphe nuclei, which regulate serotonin activity in the brain, are affected by LSD, decreasing their firing rate. This disruption of serotonin pathways is thought to play a role in the drug's effects on perception.

LSD's subjective effects, such as altered consciousness and sensory experiences, fall into three categories: somatic, perceptual, and psychological. This categorization helps to understand the diverse ways LSD impacts the brain.

Early research demonstrated that LSD interacts with the 5-HT2 receptor, particularly in the peripheral vasculature.

Studies have shown decreased serotonin metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid of rats after LSD administration. This reveals an influence of LSD on serotonin levels in the brain.

LSD's effects on the brain are thought to stem from its interactions with serotonin receptors, particularly those in regions responsible for sensory processing, integration, and arousal, contributing to its profound effects on perception and consciousness.

A type of serotonin receptor primarily found on pyramidal neurons in the cortex. Its activation is linked to psychedelic effects.

LSD increases the activity of layer V pyramidal neurons in the cortex, which is associated with its hallucinogenic effects.

The activity of 5-HT2A receptors is crucial in the evolution and development of psychedelic experiences.

LSD's influence on brain activity, particularly in the visual cortex, aligns strongly with individual reports of visual hallucinations during the LSD experience.