A new study found that a singlePsilocybin Dosagecan quickly increase the density and size of nerve connections in the brain. The process caused so-called dendritic spines to grow rapidly in the prefrontal cortices of laboratory mice. Since chronic stress and depression are known to reduce the number of this connection in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the study results enable new therapeutic approaches.
Active ingredient from hallucinogenic mushrooms helps nerve connections in the brain
The neuronal changes in the animals' brains occurred within 24 hours during the study and lasted at least 1 month. Classic psychedelics like psilocybin use the psychoactive component from magic mushrooms. They create a temporarily altered state of consciousness that affects perception, thinking and mood. Researchers have so far examined its potential to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders, including addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. For the first time, scientists have now tracked the growth of dendritic spines in response to psilocybin in living animals. By observing the effects of psilocybin in mice, the team found a 10% increase in connections between neurons. They were also, on average, almost 10% larger, indicating stronger nerve connections in the brain. However, psilocybin also increased the density of dendritic spines. The latter have small protrusions that inhabit the surface of nerve cells and facilitate the transfer of information between neurons.
The changes induced by psilocybin led to improved behavior and increased neurotransmitter activity. These new findings pave the way for the treatment of major depressive disorders. However, the study cautions that it is currently not possible to assess whether the results apply to humans. The study authors therefore warn against self-experimentation and to exercise caution. They suspect that other drugs with rapid antidepressant effects may cause similarly rapid and sustained “synaptic rewiring” of the brain. The timing of the changes, the authorsthis studyobserved with psilocybin was consistent with thatEffects of ketamineagree. This also causes a rapid increase in the number of dendritic spines in the frontal cortex. Other researchers are working on developing non-hallucinogenic versions of psychedelics like ibogaine to treat psychiatric disorders.
