Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: Sensitive Neuronal Units in the Midbrain Raphe
George K. Aghajanian, Warren E. Foote, Michael Sheard
Science August 16, 1968 DOI: 10.1126/science.161.3842.706 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractInjections of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) into the midbrain cause a reversible halt in the spontaneous firing of neurons that contain serotonin. The dose needed is at or below the level that produces noticeable behavioral changes. This inhibition of serotonin-containing neurons may explain the drug's effect of reducing serotonin metabolism.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Midbrain neurons containing serotonin |
| Intervention | d-lysergic acid diethylamide |
| Dose | at or below threshold for gross behavioral effects |
| Topics | LSD Serotonin |
| Keywords | Midbrain Raphe nuclei Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 406 |
| Key finding | D-lysergic acid diethylamide reversibly stops spontaneous activity in serotonin-containing midbrain neurons at doses below those causing behavioral effects. |
Abstract
Units in areas of the midbrain rich in neurons containing serotonin respond to parenteral injections of d-lysergic acid diethylamide by a reversible cessation of spontaneous activity. The dose required is at or below threshold for gross behavioral effects. An inhibition of neurons containing serotonin after administration of d-lysergic acid diethylamide could account for the decreased metabolism of serotonin produced by this drug.