Lysergic acid diethylamide-induced modification in the functional connectivity of distinct thalamic subfields

摘要: Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent psychoactive drug that alters perception and consciousness by modulating serotonin subtype 2A (5-HT2A) receptors. The attention to the clinical and pharmacological use of LSD has re-emerged in recent years as the drug offers an opportunity to investigate the neural bases of perception, cognition, and consciousness and to treat a range of psychiatric disorders, like treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Several resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies have demonstrated that, under LSD, the brain “escapes” from a tightly constrained and predictable way of functioning, increases its functional connectivity to allow the production of new insights into past behavior, memories, actions, feelings, and beliefs [1]. Emerging theoretical models postulate that the thalamus could contribute to this phenomenon. In particular, it has been …