Patrick M. Fisher

Martin K. Madsen

Patrick Fisher and Martin Korsbak Madsen are experts in high-resolution whole-brain PET- and functional MR-imaging of neurotransmitter systems such as the serotonergic system, which they probe and test with psilocybin. In MIBs current collaboration, we are particularly excited about how these methods can be used to study the effects of 5HT2A receptor activity on musical predictions.

Guest speakers:
Patrick M. Fisher, PhD, Neurobiological Research Unit (NRU) in Copenhagen
Martin K. Madsen, MD, Neurobiological Research Unit (NRU) in Copenhagen

Title:
The Psychedelic Brain: Neuroimaging psilocybin effects in humans

Abstract:
Psilocybin is the prodrug of psilocin, a serotonin psychedelic and the psychoactive component of magic mushrooms. Psilocybin has received renewed attention as a promising therapeutic for hard-to-treat brain disorders, including depression. The psychedelic effects of psilocybin are mediated by serotonin 2A receptor activation. Through an on-going research project at the Neurobiology Research Unit, we are establishing foundational pharmacological features of psilocybin effects in the living human brain, including serotonin 2A receptor occupancy and long-term modulation with [11C]Cimbi-36 PET. Further, we aim to elucidate serotonin 2A mediated effects on brain connectivity and blood flow with fMRI during the psychedelic experience. These studies aim to provide critical insights into the neurobiological mechanisms mediating the positive clinical and behavioral effects of psilocybin in humans.

ALL ARE WELCOME