Ayahuasca Alters Structural Parameters of the Rat Aorta
journal Article
2015
Dimitrius L., Pitol
Selma, Siéssere
Rafael Guimarães, dos Santos
Maria L. N. M., Rosa
Jaime E.C., Hallak
Priscilla H., Scalize
Bruno F., Pereira
Melina M., Iyomasa
Marisa, Semprini
Jordi, Riba
Simone C. H., Regalo
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew traditionally used by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups for therapeutic purposes. It is prepared by the decoction of Banisteriopsis caapi with the leaves of Psychotria viridis. Banisteriopsis caapi contains β-carbolines that are inhibitors of monoamine oxidase and P. viris is rich in dimethyltryptamine, a 5-HT(1A/2A/2C) agonist. Acute ayahuasca administration produces moderate cardiovascular effects in healthy volunteers, but information regarding long-term use is lacking. This study investigated the effects of ayahuasca (2-4 mL/kg) in the rat aorta after acute and chronic (14 days) administration. Ayahuasca caused flattening and stretching of vascular smooth muscle cells and changes in the arrangement and distribution of collagen and elastic fibers. Chronic treatment with the higher dose significantly increased media thickness and the ratio of media thickness to lumen diameter. More research is needed on the cardiovascular function of long-term ayahuasca consumers.