Psilocybin's Lasting Impact Revealed: Pyramidal Cells and 5-HT2A Receptors Key to Its Effects

CORRECTION PUBLISHED IN NATURE: PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE STUDY REVEALS NEW INSIGHTS A recent correction published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature has shed new light on the mechanisms behind psilocybin's lasting effects. The study, which was originally published on April 2, 2025, has been updated to reflect crucial corrections in its findings. According to the correction, researchers from Cornell University and Yale University School of Medicine found that pyramidal cell types and 5-HT2A receptors are essential for psilocybin's lasting action. The study, which was led by Ling-Xiao Shao and Clara Liao, used advanced imaging techniques to investigate the neural circuits involved in psilocybin's effects. "We were surprised to find that these specific cell types and receptors play a crucial role in mediating psilocybin's long-term effects," said Dr. Alex C. Kwan, a co-author of the study. "This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of psychedelic-induced changes in brain function." The original article was published on April 2, 2025, and has since been updated to reflect the corrections. The corrected figures are now available online and in the PDF version of the article. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance found in certain species of mushrooms that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. Recent studies have shown that psilocybin can produce long-lasting changes in brain function, particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of new treatments for mental health disorders. "This research highlights the importance of understanding the neural mechanisms underlying psychedelic-induced changes," said Dr. Neil K. Savalia, a co-author of the study. "By identifying the specific cell types and receptors involved, we can develop more targeted and effective treatments for mental health conditions." ADDITIONAL PERSPECTIVES The study's findings have also sparked interest in the broader scientific community. "This research is an important step forward in our understanding of psychedelic-induced changes," said Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a leading expert on psychedelics and brain function. "However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind psilocybin's effects." CURRENT STATUS AND NEXT DEVELOPMENTS The corrected study has been updated online and in the PDF version of the article. The researchers are now planning further studies to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying psychedelic-induced changes. In related news, a new study published in the journal Nature Communications on April 10, 2025, has shed light on the role of serotonin receptors in psilocybin's effects. The study found that serotonin receptors play a crucial role in mediating psilocybin's long-term effects. As research continues to uncover the mechanisms behind psychedelic-induced changes, scientists and clinicians are working together to develop new treatments for mental health disorders. With the publication of this correction, researchers have taken an important step forward in their understanding of psilocybin's lasting action. *Reporting by Nature.*