Psilocybin induces sex- and context-specific recruitment of the stress axis
bioRxiv – January 06, 2025
Source: medRxiv/bioRxiv/arXiv
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin are gaining attention for their potential in mental health treatment. This study reveals that psilocybin activates specific neurons linked to stress, showing stronger effects in female mice and influencing how they assess threats. These insights enhance our understanding of psychedelics' role in stress response.
Abstract
Psychedelics have reemerged as potential treatments for mental health disorders, yet their impact on stress-related brain regions remains poorly understood. Here, we provide the first real-time, in vivo evidence of psilocybin-induced neuronal activation, specifically in hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Notably, psilocybin elicited more pronounced responses in female mice and produced context-related alterations in threat assessment. Our findings provide valuable insight into the impact of psychedelics on a key stress center in the brain.