Researchers explore the effect psychedelics have on the brain and how they are effective at treating depression.
Hyperactivity in a serotonin-dopamine circuit in the brain appears to be responsible for persistent anorexia in animal models. The DRD1 receptor appears to drive the hyperactivity. Deleting the DRD1 gene restored normal eating behaviors in animals.
Study reveals how psychedelic drug-induced changes in subjective awareness are rooted in specific neurotransmitter systems.
Sleep deprivation increases the levels of serotonin 2A neurotransmitter receptors within 6 - 8 hours. Abnormal serotonin 2A receptor function is associated with hallucinations, cognitive impairment, and is linked to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.
Psilocybin can restore mGluR2 levels in the prefrontal cortex, and this leads to a reduced risk of relapse for those with alcohol use disorder.
The placebo effect combined with dopamine levels can determine whether symptoms of depression and social anxiety will improve in patients prescribed SSRI antidepressants. Researchers found the positive effect of the medications was four times higher in patients with high expectations the treatment would work compared to those with lower expectations.
Serotonin-producing neurons in the brainstem release serotonin throughout the brain during moments of novel social encounters. The release of serotonin stimulates neurons in the medial septum via a subtype of serotonin-sensitive receptor molecules. Blocking the release of this receptor molecule prevents the formation of new social memories.
Increased accumulation of amyloid beta and a reduction of serotonin in the brains of older adults was associated with higher risks for developing depression later in life.
Prucalopride, a medication commonly prescribed to treat constipation, may help improve memory and cognition. People prescribed the drug for 6 days performed better in memory tests and had increased activity in brain areas associated with cognition.
Researchers identified specific receptors for acetylcholine that reroute information flow through memory circuits in the hippocampus. The findings could have implications for the development of drugs to help enhance or protect memory from diseases associated with cognitive decline.
Researchers evaluate the role of the gut-brain axis in relation to health conditions and report on how gut-based interventions could provide relief for some mental health disorders.
Lower cholesterol levels may put people with schizophrenia at higher risk for violent behaviors, including self-harm and suicide. Researchers say lower cholesterol levels make brain cells less sensitive to serotonin, increasing symptoms of depression, impulsivity, and aggression.
