Lysergic acid diethylamide induces behavioral changes in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a synthetic psychedelic compound with potential therapeutic value for psychiatric disorders. This study aims to establish Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model for examining LSD's effects on locomotor behavior. Our results demonstrate that LSD is absorbed by C. elegans and that the acute treatment reduces animal speed, similar to the role of endogenous serotonin. This response is mediated in part by the serotonergic receptors SER-1 and SER-4. Our findings highlight the potential of this nematode as a new experimental model in psychedelic research.

Keywords: C. elegans; Locomotion; Lysergic acid diethylamide; Psychedelics; SER-4 receptor; Serotonin.