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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.01.06.631556

Psilocybin induces sex- and context-specific recruitment of the stress axis

Cook, S. G.·Lee, S.·Ference, E.·Shi, Y.·Rojas-Carvajal, M.·Hen, R.·Bains, J. S.·Fuzesi, T.·Turi, G. F.
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Abstract

Psychedelics have reemerged as potential treatments for mental health disorders, yet their impact on stress-related brain regions remains poorly understood. Here, we provide the first real-time, in vivo evidence of psilocybin-induced neuronal activation, specifically in hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Notably, psilocybin elicited more pronounced responses in female mice and produced context-related alterations in threat assessment. Our findings provide valuable insight into the impact of psychedelics on a key stress center in the brain.

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Cook, S. G., Lee, S., Ference, E., Shi, Y., Rojas-Carvajal, M., Hen, R., Bains, J. S., Fuzesi, T., Turi, G. F.. 2025-01-06. Psilocybin induces sex- and context-specific recruitment of the stress axis. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.01.06.631556

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