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The 'PSILAUT' protocol: an experimental medicine study of autistic differences in the function of brain serotonin targets of psilocybin.
- Source :
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BMC psychiatry [BMC Psychiatry] 2024 Apr 25; Vol. 24 (1), pp. 319. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Apr 25. - Publication Year :
- 2024
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Abstract
- Background: The underlying neurobiology of the complex autism phenotype remains obscure, although accumulating evidence implicates the serotonin system and especially the 5HT <subscript>2A</subscript> receptor. However, previous research has largely relied upon association or correlation studies to link differences in serotonin targets to autism. To directly establish that serotonergic signalling is involved in a candidate brain function our approach is to change it and observe a shift in that function. We will use psilocybin as a pharmacological probe of the serotonin system in vivo. We will directly test the hypothesis that serotonergic targets of psilocybin - principally, but not exclusively, 5HT <subscript>2A</subscript> receptor pathways-function differently in autistic and non-autistic adults.<br />Methods: The 'PSILAUT' "shiftability" study is a case-control study autistic and non-autistic adults. How neural responses 'shift' in response to low doses (2 mg and 5 mg) of psilocybin compared to placebo will be examined using multimodal techniques including functional MRI and EEG. Each participant will attend on up to three separate visits with drug or placebo administration in a double-blind and randomized order.<br />Results: This study will provide the first direct evidence that the serotonin targets of psilocybin function differently in the autistic and non-autistic brain. We will also examine individual differences in serotonin system function.<br />Conclusions: This work will inform our understanding of the neurobiology of autism as well as decisions about future clinical trials of psilocybin and/or related compounds including stratification approaches.<br />Trial Registration: NCT05651126.<br /> (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Female
Humans
Male
Young Adult
Case-Control Studies
Double-Blind Method
Electroencephalography
Hallucinogens pharmacology
Hallucinogens therapeutic use
Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A drug effects
Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A metabolism
Serotonin metabolism
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Autistic Disorder drug therapy
Brain drug effects
Brain metabolism
Brain physiopathology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Psilocybin therapeutic use
Psilocybin pharmacology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1471-244X
- Volume :
- 24
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- BMC psychiatry
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38658877
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05768-2