Psychedelic Drug DOI Reduces Anxiety by Activating Specific Brain Cells, Study Finds
In a groundbreaking study published in *Neuron*, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have uncovered how the psychedelic drug DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine) reduces anxiety by activating particular neurons in the brain. This discovery offers a potential new avenue for developing anxiety treatments without the traditional hallucinogenic effects associated with psychedelics.
The research team, led by Praachi Tiwari, focused on a specific type of brain cell called parvalbumin-positive interneurons, which are found in the ventral hippocampus. This region of the brain plays a crucial role in processing emotions and is closely linked to anxiety. These interneurons act as regulators, controlling how other brain cells communicate with each other.
DOI’s Impact on Anxiety and Brain Activity
The study involved behavioral tests on mice and rats, where rodents given DOI displayed reduced anxiety. They spent more time in open, anxiety-inducing spaces, a behavior indicative of reduced anxiety in animal models. This suggests that DOI’s calming effects are achieved through its interaction with the brain’s anxiety-regulating mechanisms.
To understand the specific brain regions involved, the researchers administered DOI directly into the ventral hippocampus. This confirmed that the ventral hippocampus was a primary target of DOI’s action. Further analysis revealed that DOI specifically boosted the activity of the parvalbumin-positive interneurons in this region.
By increasing the activity of these interneurons, DOI effectively calms down the parts of the brain responsible for anxiety. This process reduces overall activity in those areas, leading to a reduction in anxiety levels.
Distinguishing Therapeutic and Hallucinogenic Effects
One of the most significant findings of the study is that DOI’s anxiety-reducing properties do not overlap with its hallucinogenic effects. Unlike other psychedelic drugs, DOI’s activation of the ventral hippocampus did not trigger the head-twitch response in rodents, a behavior often associated with hallucinations.
This distinction is crucial as it suggests the possibility of developing targeted anxiety treatments based on psychedelics without the unwanted hallucinogenic side effects. This opens up exciting avenues for treating anxiety disorders, a condition affecting millions of people worldwide.
Implications and Future Research
While the study’s findings are promising, it’s important to note that they were conducted using animal models. Anxiety in humans is more complex and involves multiple brain regions. Future research is essential to confirm whether these findings translate to humans.
Additionally, the study focused on DOI’s short-term effects, leaving questions about its long-term impacts on chronic anxiety. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of DOI on anxiety and potential implications for chronic anxiety disorders.
Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the potential of psychedelics for treating anxiety disorders. The discovery that DOI can selectively target specific brain circuits to reduce anxiety without inducing hallucinations opens doors for future research and potential development of targeted therapies.
