Role of estrus in the acute anxiogenic effects of psilocybin and the related tryptamine, norbaeocystin
Advisor(s)
Phillip Zoladz
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 10:50 AM
Abstract
Relative to males, females are at greater risk of developing anxiety disorders and are more susceptible to adverse side effects of psychotropic medications. Recently, attention has turned toward identifying novel treatments, such as psychedelics [e.g., psilocybin (PSIL)], for these conditions. Past studies examining the effects of PSIL on anxiety-like behavior have revealed sex-specific effects. Therefore, we examined the impact of PSIL and the related non-psychoactive tryptamine, norbaeocystin (NOR), on anxiety-like behaviors in female rats; we also assessed whether the female estrus cycle would influence any effects. Vaginal cells were collected from female Sprague-Dawley rats for a total of 15 days; Shorr staining was used to identify estrus stages. On Days 11 and 14, rats were injected with PSIL (0.6 mg/kg), NOR (0.6 mg/kg), or saline 30 minutes before being tested on an elevated plus maze (EPM; Day 11) or having their acoustic startle response (Day 14) measured. Rats in estrus spent more time in the open arms of the EPM than rats in any other stage, suggestive of reduced anxiety. Independent of estrus stage, PSIL led to greater anxiety-like behavior on the EPM. When rats in estrus were treated with PSIL or NOR, they exhibited greater habituation of their startle responses than vehicle-treated controls. Thus, NOR may be a more promising candidate to treat anxiety-related symptoms in females, as it does not exert acute anxiogenic effects and can reduce symptoms of hyperarousal when given during specific times of the female hormone cycle.
Recommended Citation
Savini, Marisa J.; King, Kylie M.; Molnar, Noelle M.; Schneider, Evelynn J.; Straub, Savannah E.; Parker, Joe; Welker, Troy R.; Williams, Kaitlyn E.; Gottron, Colin J.; Regan, Stephanie M.; Lambdin, Solomon M.; Bach, Allison M.; Jones, Andrew; and Zoladz, Phillip R., "Role of estrus in the acute anxiogenic effects of psilocybin and the related tryptamine, norbaeocystin" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 4.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/4
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Role of estrus in the acute anxiogenic effects of psilocybin and the related tryptamine, norbaeocystin
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Relative to males, females are at greater risk of developing anxiety disorders and are more susceptible to adverse side effects of psychotropic medications. Recently, attention has turned toward identifying novel treatments, such as psychedelics [e.g., psilocybin (PSIL)], for these conditions. Past studies examining the effects of PSIL on anxiety-like behavior have revealed sex-specific effects. Therefore, we examined the impact of PSIL and the related non-psychoactive tryptamine, norbaeocystin (NOR), on anxiety-like behaviors in female rats; we also assessed whether the female estrus cycle would influence any effects. Vaginal cells were collected from female Sprague-Dawley rats for a total of 15 days; Shorr staining was used to identify estrus stages. On Days 11 and 14, rats were injected with PSIL (0.6 mg/kg), NOR (0.6 mg/kg), or saline 30 minutes before being tested on an elevated plus maze (EPM; Day 11) or having their acoustic startle response (Day 14) measured. Rats in estrus spent more time in the open arms of the EPM than rats in any other stage, suggestive of reduced anxiety. Independent of estrus stage, PSIL led to greater anxiety-like behavior on the EPM. When rats in estrus were treated with PSIL or NOR, they exhibited greater habituation of their startle responses than vehicle-treated controls. Thus, NOR may be a more promising candidate to treat anxiety-related symptoms in females, as it does not exert acute anxiogenic effects and can reduce symptoms of hyperarousal when given during specific times of the female hormone cycle.