The authors present a multimodal neuroimaging framework demonstrating fundamental principles of bidirectional coupling between whole-brain neuronal dynamics and neurotransmitter systems, and use it to causally link 5‑HT2A receptor stimulation by psilocybin to observed functional brain effects in healthy humans. This approach offers a mechanistic basis for understanding how serotonergic modulation may underlie psilocybin’s therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Significance In a technical tour de force, we have created a framework demonstrating the underlying fundamental principles of bidirectional coupling of neuronal and neurotransmitter dynamical systems. Specifically, in the present study, we combined multimodal neuroimaging data to causally explain the functional effects of specific serotoninergic receptor (5-HT 2A R) stimulation with psilocybin in healthy humans. Longer term, this could provide a better understanding of why psilocybin is showing considerable promise as a therapeutic intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Papers in Blossom that reference this study
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