Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc (MNMD)

[DarthYoda]

"Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo":
July 5, 2021

Highlights
-Psilocybin ameliorates stress-related behavioral deficit in mice

-Psilocybin increases spine density and spine size in frontal cortical pyramidal cells

-Psilocybin-evoked structural remodeling is persistent for at least 1 month

-The dendritic rewiring is accompanied by elevated excitatory neurotransmission

Summary
Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic with untapped therapeutic potential. There are hints that the use of psychedelics can produce neural adaptations, although the extent and timescale of the impact in a mammalian brain are unknown. In this study, we used chronic two-photon microscopy to image longitudinally the apical dendritic spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mouse medial frontal cortex. We found that a single dose of psilocybin led to ~10% increases in spine size and density, driven by an elevated spine formation rate. The structural remodeling occurred quickly within 24 h and was persistent 1 month later. Psilocybin also ameliorated stress-related behavioral deficit and elevated excitatory neurotransmission. Overall, the results demonstrate that psilocybin-evoked synaptic rewiring in the cortex is fast and enduring, potentially providing a structural trace for long-term integration of experiences and lasting beneficial actions.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627321004232