Browsing by Author "Nguyen, Thach-Vu"
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Item Investigation of 1P-LSD as a Novel Drug Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders(2020) Foster, Kayla; Hansen, Abigail; Lee, Matthew; Mohammed, Alan; Morrell, Matthew; Nguyen, Thach-Vu; Olson, Caroline; Pascale, Lucas; Sunny, NishanthAutism spectrum disorders (ASD), defined by repetitive behaviors or impaired social communication, is a prevalent yet relatively misunderstood set of conditions. ASD encompasses a series of neurodevelopmental disorders that have various physiological manifestations (Goines & Ashwood, 2013). Due to the heterogeneity of ASD, the true mechanisms leading to the development of ASD and its symptoms remain unclear and require more research (Rossignol & Frye, 2012; Watts, 2008). The purpose of this project is to test whether or not 1P-LSD, an analogue of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), has the potential to treat symptoms of ASD, specifically the hyperexcitation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain which causes the neuronal excitotoxicity highly implicated in the pathology of ASD.We will determine the two highest doses of 1P-LSD which does not result in any hallucinogenic side effects in Phase 1 of this protocol and utilize these doses towards treatment of symptoms associated with ASD in the Phase 2 of this protocol. We will monitor N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity, which is usually impaired in ASD, following microdosing of 1P-LSD. Towards these experiments, we will be using an autistic mouse model, Slc6a4, compared to normal mice (C57BL/6J). The efficacy of the treatment model will be assessed by measuring the levels of a subunit of the NMDA receptor, the NR2B subunit, using with western blotting and immunohistochemistry, and by measuring the levels of glutamate using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS).Item A Systemic Investigations on the Medicinal User of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide(2021) Foster, Kayla; Hansen, Abigail; Lee, Matthew; Mohammed, Alan; Nguyen, Thach-Vu; Olson, Caroline; Pascale, Luke; Sunny, Nishanth E.Evidence points to several mechanistic relationships where lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) alters the serotonergic system in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and positively impacts ASD-related clinical outcomes. Clinically relevant endpoint measurements resulting from the interaction of LSD with various psychiatric disorders and the etiology of ASD were selected and analyzed for a review. Peer reviewed and publically available original scientific studies in humans, animal models, or cell cultures with LSD as the primary treatment and a reasonable sample size were included for review. The endpoint measurements selected for the review fall into the following categories: changes in neurotransmitters, physiological markers, metabolites and other intermediates, impact on brain connectivity, brain morphology and histology, receptor activity, and gene expression. The review intends to elucidate a promising mechanism of action through which LSD could be interacting with the factors responsible for the etiology of ASD. The overarching goal of the review is to illustrate the potential for the therapeutic use of LSD and its analogues towards the management of various psychological and neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. This review could reveal a refined hypothesis for future research in order to identify specific molecular targets of LSD or its analogues for the treatment and management of ASD.