RESUMEN
Three indole alkaloids that possess differing degrees of psychotropic/psychedelic activity have been reported as endogenous substances in humans; N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-hydroxy-DMT (bufotenine, HDMT), and 5-methoxy-DMT (MDMT). We have undertaken a critical review of 69 published studies reporting the detection or detection and quantitation of these compounds in human body fluids. In reviewing this literature, we address the methods applied and the criteria used in the determination of the presence of DMT, MDMT, and HDMT. The review provides a historical perspective of the research conducted from 1955 to 2010, summarizing the findings for the individual compounds in blood, urine, and/or cerebrospinal fluid. A critique of the data is offered that addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the methods and approaches to date. The review also discusses the shortcomings of the existing data in light of more recent findings and how these may be overcome. Suggestions for the future directions of endogenous psychedelics research are offered.
Asunto(s)
Alucinógenos/sangre , Alucinógenos/orina , N,N-Dimetiltriptamina/sangre , N,N-Dimetiltriptamina/orina , Bufotenina/sangre , Bufotenina/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Bufotenina/historia , Bufotenina/orina , Alucinógenos/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Alucinógenos/historia , Historia del Siglo XX , Historia del Siglo XXI , Humanos , Metoxidimetiltriptaminas/sangre , Metoxidimetiltriptaminas/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Metoxidimetiltriptaminas/historia , Metoxidimetiltriptaminas/orina , N,N-Dimetiltriptamina/líquido cefalorraquídeo , N,N-Dimetiltriptamina/historiaRESUMEN
This paper reviews the present status of the transmethylation and the dopamine hypotheses of schizophrenia and presents recent data on the definitive identification and measurement of the endogenous hallucinogen, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in human cerebrospinal fluid and urine. Elevated levels are found in some cases of schizophrenia and of liver disease. Evidence is discussed showing that DMT may be a normal neuroregulatory agent which is responsive to stress or emotional reactions.
Asunto(s)
Esquizofrenia/metabolismo , Dopamina/metabolismo , Humanos , Metionina/metabolismo , Metilación , N,N-Dimetiltriptamina/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Neurotransmisores/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Neurotransmisores/fisiología , Esquizofrenia/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
The incidence and quantities of dimethyltryptamine and O-methylbufotenine were studied in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients suffering acute schizophrenic illnesses and in surgical and neurological control groups. Some schizophrenic patients have higher levels of both amines than do controls, though the differences in distribution did not reach statistical significance in the sample studied. The gas-chromatographic technique used is sensitive at the low picogram level.