When the endogenous hallucinogenic trace amine N,N-dimethyltryptamine meets the sigma-1 receptor

Sci Signal. 2009 Mar 10;2(61):pe12. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.261pe12.

Abstract

N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a hallucinogen found endogenously in human brain that is commonly recognized to target the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor or the trace amine-associated receptor to exert its psychedelic effect. DMT has been recently shown to bind sigma-1 receptors, which are ligand-regulated molecular chaperones whose function includes inhibiting various voltage-sensitive ion channels. Thus, it is possible that the psychedelic action of DMT might be mediated in part through sigma-1 receptors. Here, we present a hypothetical signaling scheme that might be triggered by the binding of DMT to sigma-1 receptors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Hallucinogens / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • N,N-Dimethyltryptamine / metabolism*
  • Receptors, sigma / metabolism*
  • Sigma-1 Receptor
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Hallucinogens
  • Receptors, sigma
  • N,N-Dimethyltryptamine