Hallucinogens and Serotonin 5-HT 2A Receptor-Mediated Signaling Pathways.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and mechanistic overview without primary clinical data
PubMed 28677096 · doi:10.1007/7854_2017_478
What was done
This chapter reviews literature on the molecular and neuropharmacological mechanisms of classic hallucinogens, including natural compounds (mescaline, psilocybin) and synthetic compounds (LSD). It synthesizes findings on the structure, neuroanatomical distribution, and downstream signaling pathways of the serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor.
What was found
No quantitative findings or effect estimates are reported in the abstract. The authors note that while hallucinogens interact with multiple G protein-coupled receptor subtypes, their profound alterations of human consciousness, emotion, and cognition primarily depend on agonist activity at the serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor.
Why it matters
Understanding 5-HT 2A receptor-mediated signaling clarifies how classic hallucinogens alter brain function and informs hypotheses linking serotonin system dysregulation to psychotic disorders.
Limits
This is a narrative review chapter that introduces no new primary data or systematic search methodology. The abstract does not provide specific signaling pathway kinetics, binding affinities, or sample details.
Cited by
- supports Mescaline, the active compound found in peyote, is a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist.