Psychedelics may boost brain plasticity by activating 5-HT2A receptors inside cells

Decreased dendritic spine density in the cortex is linked to various neuropsychiatric diseases.

• Activation of serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2ARs) is crucial for promoting cortical neuron growth associated with psychedelics.
• Not all 5-HT2AR agonists lead to neuroplasticity, indicating variability in their effects.
• Intracellular 5-HT2ARs were shown to mediate the plasticity-promoting effects of psychedelics.
• Serotonin does not activate the same plasticity mechanisms as psychedelics, suggesting a difference in receptor engagement.
• The findings point to intracellular 5-HT2ARs as a potential target for therapeutic interventions.

Simplified