Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (CED0004018)

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide belongs to the lysergic acids and derivatives, a subclass of ergoline and derivatives within the organic compounds. It has the chemical formula C20H25N3O and an average molecular weight of 323.43 g/mol. This exogenous compound exists as a solid at room temperature. It functions as a hallucinogen, a serotonergic agonist, and a dopamine agonist. The compound acts as a partial agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor, particularly on neocortical pyramidal cells, which causes its hallucinogenic effects and increases cortical glutamate levels. It preferentially inhibits serotonergic cell firing by acting as an agonist at 5-HT1A receptors in the cortex, locus coeruleus, and raphe nuclei, where it also acts as a partial agonist on the postsynaptic site. It possesses high affinity for 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D, and 5-HT1E subtypes. While effects on 5-HT2C, 5-HT5A, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptors have been described, their significance is uncertain. Additionally, it exhibits agonistic and antagonistic behavior at central dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. Other protein targets include the Beta-1 adrenergic receptor, D(3), D(4), and the Histamine H1 receptor. Lysergic acid diethylamide is recorded in 48 sources, including antibiotics, coins, key rings, and various food processing, household cleaning, and construction materials. Exposure occurs via oral and inhalation routes, with the latter supported by literature (PMC12390419). It is used as a treatment for schizophrenia (PMC12390419), though it is associated with nausea, drowsiness, weakness, and dizziness (PMC12390419).