Here we present a complex hypothesis about the psychosomatic mechanism of serotonergic psychedelics. Serotonergic psychedelics affect gut microbes that produce a temporary increase of 5-HT by their host enterochromaffin cells (ECs). This increased 5-HT production-which is taken up and distributed by platelets-may work as a hormone-like regulatory signal that could influence membrane permeability in the host organs and tissues and in the brain. Increased plasma 5-HT levels could enhance permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Transiently increased permeability of the BBB allows for plasma 5-HT to enter the central nervous system (CNS) and be distributed by the volume transmission. Next, this gut-derived 5-HT could modulate excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission and produce special network disintegration in the CNS. This transient perturbation of the normal neural hierarchy allows patients access to suppressed fear information and perform an emotional reset, in which the amygdale may have a key role.

Center for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress Department of Psychiatry and UHSL 1st Faculty of Medicine and Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine Pilsen Charles University CZ 12108 Prague Czechia

National University of Public Services H 1083 Budapest Hungary

Neuroscience and Consciousness Research Department Vision Research Institute Lowell MA 01854 USA

Psychosomatic Outpatient Clinics H 1037 Budapest Hungary

References provided by Crossref.org