Psilocybin induces acute and persisting alterations in immune status in healthy volunteers: An experimental, placebo-controlled study

N.L. Mason, A. Szabo, K.P.C. Kuypers, P.A. Mallaroni, R. de la Torre Fornell, J.T. Reckweg, D.H.Y. Tse, N.R.P.W. Hutten, A. Feilding, J.G. Ramaekers

Patients characterized by stress-related disorders such as depression display elevated circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a hyperactive HPA axis. Psychedelics are demonstrating promising results in treatment of such disorders, however the mechanisms of their therapeutic effects are still unknown. To date the evidence of acute and persisting effects of psychedelics on immune functioning, HPA axis activity in response to stress, and associated psychological outcomes is preliminary. To address this, we conducted a placebo-controlled, parallel group design comprising of 60 healthy participants who received either placebo (n = 30) or 0.17 mg/kg psilocybin (n = 30).

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