Embriotoxicidade de larvas de peixes paulistinha (Danio rerio) submetidos a concentrações crescentes de N, N-dimetiltriptamina

Abstract

Ayahuasca, an Amazonian psychoactive brew, has gained international attention, mainly due to its association with potential therapeutic benefits. Among its key pharmacological components, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine stands out. Additionally, studies indicate antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of Ayahuasca, thereby suggesting its therapeutic potential. The therapeutic effects of Ayahuasca are attributed to mechanisms such as the agonist action on serotonin and trace amine receptors. For instance, Dimethyltryptamine, the main alkaloid of Psychotria viridis, acts as a serotonin receptor agonist. Moreover, Ayahuasca’s toxicology suggests a median lethal dose in rats. Therefore, animal models, such as zebrafish, have shown promise for studies on depression and anxiety. The research aims to fill gaps in Ayahuasca’s toxicological studies, using the isolated N,N-Dimethyltryptamine component. Variability in the preparation of the brew complicates toxicity assessment. The study aimed to investigate the toxicity of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine using a zebrafish larval toxicity model. More specifically, it proposed to evaluate effects on embryotoxicity, motility, heart rate, and edema formation, as well as estimate the median lethal concentration of isolated and associated substances. The results from the embryotoxicity in zebrafish larvae did not allow for the estimation of the median lethal concentration with the tested concentrations, and no cardiotoxicity or malformations were observed. Hatching and mortality analyses indicate a trend toward reaching the median lethal concentration with higher concentrations. Thus, future studies will focus on increased concentrations of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine to explore the therapeutic relationship for treating depression.