The mutagenic effect of lysergic acid diethylamide III. Evaluation of the genetic risk of LSD in man
Abstract
In view of the necessity to determine the mutagenic activity of chemical substances in man, the genetic risk of LSD is discussed on the basis of our own experiments in relation to the findings of other authors and the present way of interpretation. The genetic hazard of LSD is evaluated according to the Bridges scheme.
After analysing the approaches to the evaluation of possible LSD hazard, we conclude that LSD studied on various organisms is a mutagenic substance inducing gene mutations, chromosome breaks and non-disjunction. The genetic risk of LSD to the human population is discussed.
It is suggested how the risk might be diminished by using the drug only in specific psychiatric indications, and then contraception should be used by treated patients.