Behavioral pharmacology of mescaline - the role of serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors
bioRxiv – August 28, 2024
Source: medRxiv/bioRxiv/arXiv
Summary
Mescaline, a classic psychedelic, shows promise in understanding consciousness through its action on serotonin receptors. This study explores how 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptors influence its effects. Findings reveal that these receptors play distinct roles in mescaline's behavioral impacts, enhancing our grasp of psychedelics and their potential benefits.
Abstract
Rationale Mescaline is a classical psychedelic compound with a phenylethylamine structure that primarily acts on serotonin 5-HT2A/C receptors, but also binds to 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B receptors. Despite being the first psychedelic ever isolated and synthesized, the precise role of different serotonin receptor subtypes in its behavioral pharmacology is not fully understood.