Psilocybin Increases Neuronal Connections Lost in Depression

In a study published in Neuron this month, researchers demonstrated the immediate and long-lasting increase in neuronal connections following psilocybin administration in mice. This could underpin how psilocybin treats those suffering from depression, by encouraging new neuronal growth and connections lost in chronic stress and depression states.

"We not only saw a 10% increase in the number of neuronal connections, but also they were on average about 10% larger, so the connections were stronger as well," said on of the researchers, from Yale University.

This is thought to underpin the depression alleviating effects of psychedelic compounds like psilocybin, as chronic depression and stress are known to reduce the density of neuronal connections (in particular, the density of dendritic spines, which aid in the transmission of information between neurons). 

The team used a laser-scanning microscope to image dendritic spines in high resolution and tracked them for multiple days in living mice. They found increases in the number and size of dendritic spines within 24 hours of administration of psilocybin. These changes were still present a month later. Also, mice subjected to stress showed behavioral improvements and increased neurotransmitter activity after being given psilocybin.

The authors say, “it was a real surprise to see such enduring changes from just one dose of psilocybin. These new connections may be the structural changes the brain uses to store new experiences.”

For more psychedelic news and research, visit the psychedelic health professional network homepage.