The long-term impact of psychedelic experiences on one’s perception of the world as well as of the self is a matter of common knowledge. Now, researchers found an effect of the tryptamine psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT on nerve cells which might help to explain parts of this phenomenon.

Since many years, indigenous communities are using the psychedelic effect of tryptamine substances such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamin (DMT), 4-PO-DMT (Psilocybin) or 5-MeO-DMT for spiritual reasons. The guidance of sustainable life changes like initiations rituals and trauma therapies are often the main focus of these traditional usages. A team of scientists around Vanja Dakic from the University of Rio de Janeiro wanted to figure out the molecular fundamentals of these life-changing effects. Therefore, they created so-called neuronal organoids out of human embryonal stem cells. Neuronal organoids are small three-dimensional units of nerve cells which are appropriate models for the investigation of human brains.

The organoids which grew for several weeks were pickled for 24 hours in diluted 5-MeO-DMT. Afterwards, they were tested for the protein in the cells with mass spectrometry. The researchers found 6728 different proteins in those nerve cells from which 14 percent showed a different concentration after the treatment with 5-MeO-DMT. Many of those more concentrated proteins are known to take part in the process of building a new neuronal cell process (dendrites) and synapses. So basically, the cells which are responsible for buildup of the cell’s own cytoskeleton (for example microtubule) do contain considerably more protein. Proteins which are used by the body’s regulation of higher nerve architectures tend to be more numerous after a 5-MeO-DMT treatment too. Within those isolated proteins there are some which researchers connect to the ability of learning and remembering.

The change of the receptor mGluR5 seems to be of particular importance. This receptor plays a big role in the emergence of addiction; rats and mouses where this gene was removed were not addicted to cocaine, nicotine nor alcohol anymore. The concentration of this receptor was significantly reduced in cases where nerve cells were treated with 5-MeO-DMT.

These results are covered with the observation that the use of tryptamine psychedelics such as for example the traditional Ayahuasca brew is supporting some users within their process of getting rid of addictions. However, one has to point out that three-dimensional neuronal organoids cannot model the human brain bugless. Furthermore, the nerve cells were exposed for a greater time than one’s normally when drinking or smoking 5-MeO-DMT. Nevertheless, the authors are interpreting these results as a first cytological evidence for the sustainable spirit moving force of tryptamine psychedelics.

(V. Dakic et al., 2017: «Short-term changes in the proteome of human cerebral organoids induced by 5-methoxy-N-N-dimethyltryptamin». Pre-print posted in BioRXiv Beta.)

Disclaimer:

This article does not promote or recommend the use of illegal drugs. Many of the substances referenced to in the content are illegal in many countries. This article does not constitute medical advice. As always, please consult your doctor before taking any medicine.

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