Mini human brain culture to test hallucinogens

The Brazilian team explored the effects of ayahuasca hallucinogens on the human brain using artificial brain cell organs.

Brazilian scientists use a mini-brain grown in the lab , also called an artificial brain cell , to explain the effects of ayahuasca , a powerful hallucinogen, on the human brain, Newsweek on the 9th. / 10 reports. The aim of the study is to assess the potential of ayahuasca in the use of antidepressants.

The team conducted artificial brain culture for about 45 days, then divided them into small groups. One group was immersed in a compound separated from ayahuasca, one soaked in alcohol and the other placed in a normal solvent.

The body of artificial brain cells is cultured in the laboratory.(Video: Newsweek).

To understand the effects of ayahuasca , the scientists observed which proteins had increased or decreased. With the brain soaked in ayahuasca, they discovered many proteins involved in brain memory and signs of anti-inflammatory effects they consider antidepressants.

However, all techniques have certain limitations. This is also the reason why this study has many shortcomings, according to two researchers Michal Stachowiak at the University of Buffalo and Byoung-Il Bae at Yale University.

"When we cultivate the human brain, we can only reach 5 - 6mm, no more," Stachowiak told Newsweek. If you want to grow bigger, the brain will need nutrition and oxygen provided by the blood.

With this size, the artificial brain is only equivalent to the fetus brain 3-4 months old. Therefore, the use of artificial brains to simulate adult brains will result in false results.

The aim of the study is to assess the potential of ayahuasca in the use of antidepressants.

"This is an interesting study. But I'm not sure this model has been fully developed. I doubt it can be used to reflect adult brains , " Stachowski said. That is the key because substances such as ayahuasca affect neuronal networks that artificial brains do not have.

However, the prospect of this method is very large, according to Stachowski. Artificial brain cell organs simulate human brain in the early stages so it can provide a clearer view of what happens in a developing brain. This is what scientists have to try to estimate through animal brains and brain donations from dead fetuses.

This method may also be useful in studying diseases affecting brain development such as schizophrenia, Zika or autism.