Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents.
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| Abstract |
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)2A receptor agonists have recently emerged as promising new treatment options for a variety of disorders. The recent success of these agonists, also known as psychedelics, like psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and addiction, has ushered in a renaissance in the way these compounds are perceived in the medical community and populace at large. One emerging therapeutic area that holds significant promise is their use as anti-inflammatory agents. Activation of 5-HT2A receptors produces potent anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of human inflammatory disorders at sub-behavioural levels. This review discusses the role of the 5-HT2A receptor in the inflammatory response, as well as highlight studies using the 5-HT2A agonist (R)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine [(R)-DOI] to treat inflammation in cellular and animal models. It also examines potential mechanisms by which 5-HT2A agonists produce their therapeutic effects. Overall, psychedelics regulate inflammatory pathways via novel mechanisms, and may represent a new and exciting treatment strategy for several inflammatory disorders.
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| Authors | Thomas W Flanagan, Charles D Nichols |
| Journal | International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) (Int Rev Psychiatry) Vol. 30 Issue 4 Pg. 363-375 (08 2018) ISSN: 1369-1627 [Electronic] England |
| PMID | 30102081 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't) |
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