| First Author | Shao LX | Year | 2021 |
| Journal | Neuron | Volume | 109 |
| Issue | 16 | Pages | 2535-2544.e4 |
| PubMed ID | 34228959 | Mgi Jnum | J:355250 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:6752444 | Doi | 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.06.008 |
| Citation | Shao LX, et al. (2021) Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo. Neuron 109(16):2535-2544.e4 |
| abstractText | Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic with untapped therapeutic potential. There are hints that the use of psychedelics can produce neural adaptations, although the extent and timescale of the impact in a mammalian brain are unknown. In this study, we used chronic two-photon microscopy to image longitudinally the apical dendritic spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mouse medial frontal cortex. We found that a single dose of psilocybin led to approximately 10% increases in spine size and density, driven by an elevated spine formation rate. The structural remodeling occurred quickly within 24 h and was persistent 1 month later. Psilocybin also ameliorated stress-related behavioral deficit and elevated excitatory neurotransmission. Overall, the results demonstrate that psilocybin-evoked synaptic rewiring in the cortex is fast and enduring, potentially providing a structural trace for long-term integration of experiences and lasting beneficial actions. |
