Abstract
Hallucinogens represent the group of psychotropics, which induce characteristic cognitive, perceptual and emotional symptoms. Hallucinogens are represented by indolamines (psilocybin or DMT), ergoline derivatives with indole nucleus (LSD), and substituted phenylethylamines (mescaline).
The clinical effect of hallucinogens is similar to the antagonists of NMDA glutamatergic receptors (ketamine, phencyclidine and MK-801). The effect of hallucinogens is mediated by the agonism on serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT1A a 5-HT2C receptors with subsequent change of activity of pyramidal glutamatergic neurons and by direct or indirect changes in dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity.
The mechanisms of action of hallucinogens and NMDA antagonists overlap in changes induced in glutamatergic and monoaminergic systems. Studies of overlapping mechanisms of action of hallucinogens and NMDA antagonists represent important tool for the research in the field of pathophysiology of mental disorders (schizophrenia) and antipsychotic action