Affiliation:
1. College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
2. Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Abstract
Abstract:
Lysergic acid Diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and psilocin are being intensively evaluated
as potential therapeutics to treat depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and a host of
other psychiatric illnesses. Pre-clinical investigation of these compounds in rodent models forms a
key component of their drug development process. In this review, we will summarize the evidence
gathered to date surrounding LSD, psilocybin, and psilocin in rodent models of the psychedelic experience,
behavioural organization, substance use, alcohol consumption, drug discrimination, anxiety,
depression-like behaviour, stress response, and pharmacokinetics. In reviewing these topics, we
identify three knowledge gaps as areas of future inquiry: sex differences, oral dosing rather than injection,
and chronic dosing regimens. A comprehensive understanding of LSD, psilocybin, and
psilocin’s in vivo pharmacology may not only lead to their successful clinical implementation but
optimize the use of these compounds as controls or references in the development of novel
psychedelic therapeutics.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Drug Discovery,General Medicine