Healthy VolunteersDepressive DisordersMicrodosingLSD

Low Doses of LSD Acutely Increase BDNF Blood Plasma Levels in Healthy Volunteers

This is the second publication of a four-part study. It was found that a microdose (20µg) of LSD increased neuroplasticity as measured by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels at 6 hours (n=24). The results are, however, ambiguous and not present at all values/times.

Authors

  • Patrick Dolder
  • Matthias Liechti
  • Kim Kuypers

Published

ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science
individual Study

Abstract

Despite preclinical evidence for psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity, confirmation in humans is grossly lacking. Given the increased interest in using low doses of psychedelics for psychiatric indications and the importance of neuroplasticity in the therapeutic response, this placebo-controlled within-subject study investigated the effect of single low doses of LSD (5, 10, and 20 μg) on circulating BDNF levels in healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected every 2 h over 6 h, and BDNF levels were determined afterwards in blood plasma using ELISA. The findings demonstrated an increase in BDNF blood plasma levels at 4 h (5 μg) and 6 h (5 and 20 μg) compared to that for the placebo. The finding that LSD acutely increases BDNF levels warrants studies in patient populations.

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Research Summary of 'Low Doses of LSD Acutely Increase BDNF Blood Plasma Levels in Healthy Volunteers'

Introduction

Preclinical work has shown that a range of classical psychedelics and related compounds (for example DOI, LSD, DMT, psilocybin, and ayahuasca alkaloids) can promote neuroplasticity in animals and cell cultures, including neuritogenesis, synaptogenesis, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Prior studies cited by the authors report such structural and molecular effects after both single and repeated dosing, and some evidence indicates that even low, sub‑hallucinogenic doses can produce neuroplastic changes in animals. Interest in so‑called microdosing of LSD and other psychedelics for mood and cognitive effects has grown alongside the observation that depression and other psychiatric disorders are associated with impaired neuroplasticity and with low BDNF, and that therapeutic responses to some treatments correlate with rises in BDNF. This double‑blind, placebo‑controlled, within‑subjects study therefore set out to test whether single low doses of LSD base (0, 5, 10 and 20 mcg) acutely alter circulating BDNF levels in healthy volunteers. Blood was sampled repeatedly over six hours post‑dose and plasma BDNF was measured by ELISA; the study aimed to characterise the time course of any acute BDNF changes following these sub‑clinical LSD doses, providing an initial human test of psychedelic‑induced neuroplasticity at low doses.

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Study Details

References (9)

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Low Doses of LSD Acutely Increase BDNF Blood... — Research Summary & Context | Blossom