How serotonin-based psychedelics affect brain cells by increasing detailed context processing

Classical serotonergic psychedelics may disrupt conscious mental representations by activating the serotonin 2A receptor in specific brain regions.

• 5-HT_2A receptor agonism is primarily found in layer V pyramidal neurons of the cortex.
• Activation of these receptors at apical dendrites may enhance the interaction of mental representations with contextual influences.
• The concept of 'apical hypercontextualisation' is proposed to explain how this receptor activation amplifies relational processing.
• Psychedelic experiences, including perceptual distortions and self-alterations, could arise from this contextual amplification.
• These findings may have implications for understanding therapeutic mechanisms in mental health disorders.

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