3.2 Anti-inflammatory properties
Besides neural transmission, inflammation is another key mechanism
involved in the pain experience. Chronic inflammation drives pain by
sensitizing peripheral nociceptors.36 This
inflammatory process involves various mediators that can initiate and
perpetuate chronic pain states.36 Serotonergic agonism
from psychedelics has the potential to inhibit inflammatory signaling
mediated by TNF-alpha, NF-kB, and inflammatory
cytokines.37,38 This is thought to occur through
activation of 5-HT2A receptors on immune cells. Hence, by suppressing
key inflammatory mediators, these anti-inflammatory properties of
psychedelics may also reduce inflammatory pain.