METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE EFFECTS OF LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD-25) ON MALE RATS

Abstract

SUMMARY Male Wistar rats were injected s.c. with 500 or 750 μg./kg. of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) on alternate days for 2 weeks and received a total of eight injections, the last two being on consecutive days. Before autopsy, urinary 17-ketosteroid output, white blood cell counts, body weight, food and oxygen consumption were studied. Depending on time and dosage, the various results indicate that LSD-25 stimulates adrenal function, lowers metabolism, and inhibits thyroid and possibly gonadal function. Similarities between the effects of LSD-25 intoxication and schizophrenia are noted.