L17: Hallucinogens and MDMA: Pharmacology and History

Flashcards covering the history, classification, behavioral effects, and neuropharmacological mechanisms of hallucinogens and MDMA.

Hallucinogens

A group of substances that produce changes in thought, perception, and/or mood; the term is derived from the Latin "alucinari," meaning "to wander in the mind."

Psychedelics

A term for hallucinogens meaning "liberation of mind."

Entheogens

A term for hallucinogens meaning "bringing out the inner god."

Indolealkylamines

A class of hallucinogens structurally similar to serotonin ($5-HT$); examples include LSD, DMT, and psilocybin.

Phenylethylamines

A class of substances structurally similar to dopamine and norepinephrine that produce mixed hallucinogenic and stimulant effects; examples include mescaline and MDMA.

LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide)

A potent indolealkylamine synthesized in 1938 by Albert Hoffman from ergot fungus; it was first ingested in 1943.

Ergot Fungus

A fungus that causes ergotism, characterized by vasoconstriction, gangrene, and hallucinations; it contains lysergic acid, the active ingredient used to synthesize LSD.

Delysid

The brand name for LSD-25 marketed by Sandoz Ltd. in 1946 for analytical psychotherapy and experimental studies on the nature of psychoses.

Project MK-ULTRA

A CIA project (1953-1964) that conducted human experiments with LSD, often without consent, to research mind control and interrogation methods.

Timothy Leary

A Harvard psychology lecturer in the 1960s who promoted the use of LSD and psilocybin with the slogan "Turn on, tune in, drop out."

Synesthesia

A perceptual phenomenon often experienced during the peak of an LSD trip (3-6 hours) where senses blend, such as "seeing sounds."

HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder)

A rare condition involving continuous visual disturbances, such as seeing trails or geometric patterns, that can last for weeks or years after drug use.

Psilocybin

The active ingredient in "magic" mushrooms (Psilocybe) that is converted into psilocin in the body; it produces effects similar to LSD but with a shorter duration of 4-7 hours.

Magic Truffles

The subterranean substratum (Sclerotium Tampenensis) of the Tampanensis mushroom; they contain psilocybin and are often sold legally in locations where mushrooms are banned.

Mescaline

A naturally occurring phenylethylamine found in the peyote cactus; it has been used for over 5000 years for religious and spiritual purposes.

MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

A synthetic phenylethylamine synthesized in 1912 by Merck; it is known as an "empathogen" due to its ability to increase feelings of empathy and closeness.

Alexander Shulgin

The chemist known as the "reinventor of MDMA" who created more than 300 psychoactive compounds and documented their effects in humans.

$5-HT_{1A}$ Receptor

A serotonin receptor subtype where LSD and psilocybin act as autoreceptor agonists in the Raphe Nucleus, though this is not believed to cause hallucinogenic effects.

$5-HT_{2A}$ Receptor

The primary receptor responsible for the hallucinogenic properties of LSD and psilocybin; its blockade by antagonists like ketanserin prevents visual hallucinations.

SERT (Serotonin Transporter)

The protein through which MDMA enters the synaptic terminal; MDMA reverses its function, causing a massive release of serotonin into the synaptic cleft.

Citalopram

An SSRI that blocks the serotonin transporter; it is known to markedly reduce most of the subjective effects of MDMA.

Oceanic Boundlessness

A subjective MDMA effect characterized by derealization, depersonalization, positive mood, and an altered sense of time.

Layer V Pyramidal Neurons

Neurons in the prefrontal cortex identified as the likely site of action for hallucinogens, which may be overloaded through increased glutamate or $5-HT_{2A}$ stimulation.