2022
Exploratory study of the dose-related safety, tolerability, and efficacy of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in healthy volunteers and major depressive disorder
D’Souza D, Syed SA, Flynn LT, Safi-Aghdam H, Cozzi NV, Ranganathan M. Exploratory study of the dose-related safety, tolerability, and efficacy of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in healthy volunteers and major depressive disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022, 47: 1854-1862. PMID: 35660802, PMCID: PMC9372173, DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01344-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMajor depressive disorderHealthy controlsAntidepressant effectsDosing sessionsPsychotomimetic effectsDepressive disorderAbuse liabilityTreatment-resistant major depressive disorderDose-related safetyTreatment-resistant individualsMDD participantsPhase 1 studyHAMD-17 scoresTreatment of depressionFurther rigorous trialsMin of injectionExploratory pilot studyPsychedelic drugsAdverse eventsBlood pressureHAMD-17Cardiovascular functionRigorous trialsHealthy volunteersHeart rateSex differences in the acute effects of intravenous (IV) delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Bassir Nia A, Orejarena MJ, Flynn L, Luddy C, D’Souza D, Skosnik PD, Pittman B, Ranganathan M. Sex differences in the acute effects of intravenous (IV) delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Psychopharmacology 2022, 239: 1621-1628. PMID: 35438304, PMCID: PMC11215802, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06135-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRey Auditory Verbal Learning TaskPsychotomimetic States InventoryCognitive effectsAuditory Verbal Learning TaskSubjective effectsDelta-9-TetrahydrocannabinolSex differencesVerbal learning taskDissociative Symptoms ScaleFemale participantsMain psychoactive constituentSignificant main effectPerceptual alterationsLearning taskStates InventoryPsychoactive constituentSignificant sex differencesMain effectMale participantsVisual analog scaleSymptom ScaleTest dayEffects of cannabinoidsParticipantsPsychotomimetic effects
2020
Psychosis-Relevant Effects of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol: A Mega Analysis of Individual Participant-Data from Human Laboratory Studies
Ganesh S, Cortes-Briones J, Ranganathan M, Radhakrishnan R, Skosnik PD, D’Souza D. Psychosis-Relevant Effects of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol: A Mega Analysis of Individual Participant-Data from Human Laboratory Studies. The International Journal Of Neuropsychopharmacology 2020, 23: 559-570. PMID: 32385508, PMCID: PMC7710917, DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa031.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHuman laboratory studiesHealthy human volunteersPositive symptomsTHC dosePsychotomimetic effectsHuman volunteersPsychosis-like effectsNegative Syndrome ScaleProfile of symptomsCrossover studyIntravenous administrationMotor retardationHealthy individualsSyndrome ScaleSymptomsNegative syndromeSomatic concernsSubstance useConceptual disorganizationFrequent cannabisMultiple studiesMeaningful increase
2019
Highs and lows of cannabinoid-dopamine interactions: effects of genetic variability and pharmacological modulation of catechol-O-methyl transferase on the acute response to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans
Ranganathan M, De Aquino JP, Cortes-Briones JA, Radhakrishnan R, Pittman B, Bhakta S, D’Souza D. Highs and lows of cannabinoid-dopamine interactions: effects of genetic variability and pharmacological modulation of catechol-O-methyl transferase on the acute response to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans. Psychopharmacology 2019, 236: 3209-3219. PMID: 31187152, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05273-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCOMT rs4680 polymorphismMemory deficitsCOMT genotypeVal/Val individualsRs4680 polymorphismSubjective effectsTest dayCatechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) enzymePsychotomimetic effectsCognitive effectsCognitive dataCannabinoid-dopamine interactionsAcute responseHuman brainIntravenous THCPlacebo-controlled studyRole of dopaminergicCatechol-O-methyl transferaseDopaminergic signalingAcute pharmacological inhibitionDeficitsCannabinoid effectsDopaminergic toneHealthy subjectsDrug development effortsEffects of haloperidol on the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol response in humans: a responder analysis
Gupta S, De Aquino JP, D’Souza D, Ranganathan M. Effects of haloperidol on the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol response in humans: a responder analysis. Psychopharmacology 2019, 236: 2635-2640. PMID: 30919005, PMCID: PMC6697616, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05235-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDissociative Symptoms ScalePANSS positive scalePsychotomimetic effectsHuman laboratory studiesRole of dopaminePsychosis-like effectsHaloperidol conditionNegative Syndrome ScalePANSS positive scoreDopaminergic antagonismPositive scalePlacebo conditionResponder analysisSyndrome ScaleSymptom ScaleDouble-blind studyEffects of haloperidolDopaminergic signalingOral haloperidolIndividualsOnly respondersPositive scoreIntravenous administrationHealthy individualsHaloperidol
2017
Attenuation of ketamine-induced impairment in verbal learning and memory in healthy volunteers by the AMPA receptor potentiator PF-04958242
Ranganathan M, DeMartinis N, Huguenel B, Gaudreault F, Bednar MM, Shaffer CL, Gupta S, Cahill J, Sherif MA, Mancuso J, Zumpano L, D’Souza D. Attenuation of ketamine-induced impairment in verbal learning and memory in healthy volunteers by the AMPA receptor potentiator PF-04958242. Molecular Psychiatry 2017, 22: 1633-1640. PMID: 28242871, DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsKetamine-induced impairmentVerbal learningAMPAR potentiatorsHopkins Verbal Learning TestN-methyl-D-aspartate receptorsVerbal Learning TestDissociative Symptoms ScaleKetamine-induced deficitsPsychotomimetic effectsMemory taskImmediate recallLearning TestCogState batteryMemory deficitsNegative Syndrome ScaleTreatment periodCognitive symptomsNMDAR functioningNMDAR antagonist ketamineNonhuman primatesNegative symptomsCognitive impairmentMemoryIsoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptorsPathophysiology of schizophrenia
2016
Human Laboratory Studies on Cannabinoids and Psychosis
Sherif M, Radhakrishnan R, D’Souza D, Ranganathan M. Human Laboratory Studies on Cannabinoids and Psychosis. Biological Psychiatry 2016, 79: 526-538. PMID: 26970363, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.01.011.BooksConceptsCannabinoid agonistsPsychotomimetic effectsAcute psychotomimetic effectsHealthy control subjectsCrossover laboratory studyEffects of ketamineHuman laboratory studiesGamma-aminobutyric acidHealthy human subjectsSelf-medication hypothesisTransient exacerbationAntipsychotic medicationControl subjectsDopamine metabolismGlutamate systemDopamine releasePsychotomimetic drugsCognitive symptomsDrug AdministrationAgonistsMagnitude of effectSymptomsSchizophreniaCannabinoidsLaboratory studies
2015
Role of GABA Deficit in Sensitivity to the Psychotomimetic Effects of Amphetamine
Ahn KH, Sewell A, Elander J, Pittman B, Ranganathan M, Gunduz-Bruce H, Krystal J, D'Souza DC. Role of GABA Deficit in Sensitivity to the Psychotomimetic Effects of Amphetamine. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015, 40: 2822-2831. PMID: 25953357, PMCID: PMC4864658, DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.132.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGABA deficitHealthy subjectsPsychotomimetic effectsIntravenous infusionSchizophrenia patientsPANSS positive symptoms subscaleDouble-blind crossover designStriatal dopamine releasePositive symptom subscaleAdministration of drugsDose of AMPHPartial inverse agonistSubclinical responsePharmacokinetic interactionsSubthreshold doseDopamine releaseBenzodiazepine receptorsSymptom subscalesCrossover designCADSS scoresPositive symptomsAMPHInverse agonistSubjective effectsTest dayThe Psychosis-like Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Are Associated With Increased Cortical Noise in Healthy Humans
Cortes-Briones JA, Cahill JD, Skosnik PD, Mathalon DH, Williams A, Sewell RA, Roach BJ, Ford JM, Ranganathan M, D’Souza D. The Psychosis-like Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Are Associated With Increased Cortical Noise in Healthy Humans. Biological Psychiatry 2015, 78: 805-813. PMID: 25913109, PMCID: PMC4627857, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.03.023.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPsychosis-like effectsPsychosis-like symptomsPsychotomimetic effectsNegative-like symptomsActive drug conditionsNeural noiseDose-related effectsDose-related mannerRandom neural activityDose-dependent mannerPrincipal active constituentHealthy humansPsychotic disordersCortical noiseDrug conditionsSymptomsΔ9-tetrahydrocannabinolBaseline periodDisorganization symptomsNeural activityCounterbalanced designTest dayActive constituentsOddball taskTHC
2012
Dose-Related Behavioral, Subjective, Endocrine, and Psychophysiological Effects of the κ Opioid Agonist Salvinorin A in Humans
Ranganathan M, Schnakenberg A, Skosnik PD, Cohen BM, Pittman B, Sewell RA, D'Souza DC. Dose-Related Behavioral, Subjective, Endocrine, and Psychophysiological Effects of the κ Opioid Agonist Salvinorin A in Humans. Biological Psychiatry 2012, 72: 871-879. PMID: 22817868, PMCID: PMC3638802, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.06.012.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdministration, InhalationAdultCardiovascular SystemCognitionCross-Over StudiesDiterpenes, ClerodaneDose-Response Relationship, DrugDrug MonitoringElectroencephalographyEuphoriaFemaleHallucinogensHumansHydrocortisoneIllicit DrugsMalePerceptionProlactinPsychiatric Status Rating ScalesPsychoses, Substance-InducedReceptors, Opioid, kappaSensationConceptsSA administrationSalvinorin APopular recreational drugElectroencephalogram spectral powerPrimary active ingredientPsychotomimetic effectsReceptor agonismOpiate receptorsEndocrine effectsHealthy subjectsSelective agonistHealthy individualsPerceptual alterationsPlasma cortisolEuphoric effectsCognitive deficitsRecreational drugsVital signsCounterbalanced studyEffect of SAYoung adultsAdverse effectsPsychophysiological effectsIndividual variabilityAdministrationNaltrexone does not attenuate the effects of intravenous Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy humans
Ranganathan M, Carbuto M, Braley G, Elander J, Perry E, Pittman B, Radhakrishnan R, Sewell RA, D'Souza DC. Naltrexone does not attenuate the effects of intravenous Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy humans. The International Journal Of Neuropsychopharmacology 2012, 15: 1251-1264. PMID: 22243563, DOI: 10.1017/s1461145711001830.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAttentionBehaviorCognitionCognition DisordersDouble-Blind MethodDronabinolDrug InteractionsEuphoriaFemaleHallucinogensHumansInhibition, PsychologicalInjections, IntravenousMaleMarijuana AbuseMemoryMental RecallMiddle AgedNaltrexoneNarcotic AntagonistsOrientationPerceptionPsychoses, Substance-InducedRecognition, PsychologyRewardYoung AdultConceptsCognitive effectsHealthy human subjectsPerceptual alterationsHuman subjectsTHC effectsCognitive impairmentΔ9-tetrahydrocannabinolActive naltrexoneDouble-blind mannerTest dayPsychotomimetic effectsPreclinical evidenceMOR antagonistΜ-opioidCB1R agonistPsychiatric illnessPrecise natureHealthy humansDrug AdministrationReceptor systemNaltrexoneEffect of pretreatmentAnxietyPlaceboTHC
2010
Probing GABA Receptor Function in Schizophrenia with Iomazenil
Ahn K, Gil R, Seibyl J, Sewell RA, D'Souza DC. Probing GABA Receptor Function in Schizophrenia with Iomazenil. Neuropsychopharmacology 2010, 36: 677-683. PMID: 21068719, PMCID: PMC3055690, DOI: 10.1038/npp.2010.198.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSchizophrenia patientsHealthy controlsGABA deficitHealthy subjectsBrief Psychiatric Rating ScaleGABA-deficit hypothesisPlacebo-controlled studyChronic schizophrenia patientsPathophysiology of schizophreniaPsychiatric Rating ScalePartial inverse agonistDissociative Symptoms ScaleGABA receptor functionPerceptual alterationsPsychotomimetic effectsPsychotic symptomsIomazenilBenzodiazepine receptorsPatientsSymptom ScalePharmacological inductionReceptor functionInverse agonistRating ScaleBrain imaging
2008
Preliminary evidence of cannabinoid effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in humans
D’Souza D, Pittman B, Perry E, Simen A. Preliminary evidence of cannabinoid effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in humans. Psychopharmacology 2008, 202: 569. PMID: 18807247, PMCID: PMC2791800, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1333-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBrain-derived neurotrophic factorBDNF levelsBrain-derived neurotrophic factor levelsNeurotrophic factor levelsSerum BDNF levelsΔ9-THCEffects of cannabinoidsΔ9-THC administrationSpatial memory impairmentBasal BDNF levelsResultsΔ9-THCPlacebo administrationPrincipal active componentNeurotrophic factorControl subjectsPsychotomimetic effectsHealthy controlsCannabinoid effectsIntravenous administrationAltered neurodevelopmentPreclinical studiesHigh riskConsequence of exposureChronic exposureMemory impairmentEffects of haloperidol on the behavioral, subjective, cognitive, motor, and neuroendocrine effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans
D’Souza D, Braley G, Blaise R, Vendetti M, Oliver S, Pittman B, Ranganathan M, Bhakta S, Zimolo Z, Cooper T, Perry E. Effects of haloperidol on the behavioral, subjective, cognitive, motor, and neuroendocrine effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans. Psychopharmacology 2008, 198: 587-603. PMID: 18228005, PMCID: PMC2878815, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-1042-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPerceptual alterationsPsychotomimetic effectsCambridge taskRecall deficitsVerbal recallSample taskCognitive effectsMemory impairmentCognitive impairmentSubjective effectsPreclinical literatureBehavioral effectsTaskD2 receptor mechanismsEffects of haloperidolFrequent usersDopaminergic systemHaloperidol pretreatmentImpairmentDistractibilityRecallResultsConsistentSpectrum of effectsRandom orderDeficitsBlunted Psychotomimetic and Amnestic Effects of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Frequent Users of Cannabis
D'Souza DC, Ranganathan M, Braley G, Gueorguieva R, Zimolo Z, Cooper T, Perry E, Krystal J. Blunted Psychotomimetic and Amnestic Effects of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Frequent Users of Cannabis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008, 33: 2505-2516. PMID: 18185500, PMCID: PMC3799954, DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301643.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAmnesiaAttentionBrainDose-Response Relationship, DrugDouble-Blind MethodDronabinolDrug Administration ScheduleDrug ToleranceFemaleHallucinationsHallucinogensHumansHydrocortisoneMaleMarijuana AbuseMiddle AgedPerceptual DisordersProlactinPsychoses, Substance-InducedTachycardiaYoung AdultConceptsAmnestic effectsPerceptual alterationsDelta-9-TetrahydrocannabinolCannabis useSubjective effectsFrequent usersCannabisEffects of cannabinoidsIllicit substancesPsychotomimetic effectsEuphoric effectsHealthy controlsHealthy individualsMemoryImpairingPsychosisDose-related effectsIndividualsCortisolPsychotomimeticsAttentionPeopleUsersPlacebo-controlled studyEffect
2004
The Psychotomimetic Effects of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Healthy Individuals: Implications for Psychosis
D'Souza DC, Perry E, MacDougall L, Ammerman Y, Cooper T, Wu YT, Braley G, Gueorguieva R, Krystal JH. The Psychotomimetic Effects of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Healthy Individuals: Implications for Psychosis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2004, 29: 1558-1572. PMID: 15173844, DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300496.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAnxietyArousalAttentionBehaviorCognitionDose-Response Relationship, DrugDouble-Blind MethodDronabinolFemaleHallucinogensHemodynamicsHumansHydrocortisoneInjections, IntravenousMaleMemory, Short-TermMental RecallPanicProlactinPsychiatric Status Rating ScalesPsychometricsPsychoses, Substance-InducedSpeechVerbal LearningConceptsCannabinoid receptor functionWord recallRecognition recallVerbal fluencyCognitive deficitsProspective safety dataNegative symptomsAbuse disordersHealthy individualsCounterbalanced studyMonths poststudyRecallPsychotomimetic effectsPsychotic disordersReceptor functionPsychosisEndogenous psychosesIndividualsDistractibilityFluencyTransient symptomsDisordersEndocrine effectsSafety dataAnxiety