Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
Lysergic Acid DIethylamide, more commonly known as LSD, is a serotonin-like drug with a similar structure. It's sometimes called acid, battery acid, zen, and hippie and can be either licked off a paper or swallowed from a capsule (pill). Because of the similar structure and characteristics, it is able to mimic serotonin, and overstimulates the serotonin receptors, causing a "trip" that distorts visual perceptions of reality making color seem brighter and stronger. Because no images are created, LSD is NOT actually a hallucinogen. LSD also affects judgement and behavior, which can both get out of control and lead the user to dangerous situations. Physical changes that can occur after consumption of LSD include "dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, trembling and shaking, sweating, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite" (Gavin, 2014).
Similarity to Serotonin
LSD is very similar to serotonin in structure. They both contain indole rings which include amine groups. LSD has two extra rings, and a few extra functional groups (like the ketone double-bonded oxygen).
Overall, the structures are alike and thus allows LSD to mimic serotonin in receptors. With lots of LSD, the receptors can be overstimulated and a trip can begin, lasting for hours.
Additionally, the dipole moment between the two molecuels is similar, with LSD holding a 3.04 debye dipole versus serotonin's 2.98 debye dipole (1debye = 3.335E-30c*m), meaning that they are similarly polar.
Finally, the electron densities of the two molecules are similar, as displayed in the below pictures. They resemble the same general shapes, with higher electron probabilities (blue) at the same places.
Due to the structural, chemical, and electrical similarities between serotonin and LSD, 5-HT (5-Hydroxytryptamine is serotonin) receptors can mistake LSD for serotonin and bind to LSD, explaining why LSD can cause the overstimulation of nerves.
Sources
Gavin, M. (2014). What You Need to Know About Drugs: LSD. Retrieved May 28, 2015, from http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/drugs_alcohol/know_drugs_lsd.html
What is LSD? How is LSD Made? What Does LSD Look Like? (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2015, from http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/lsd.html
Lysergic Acid DIethylamide, more commonly known as LSD, is a serotonin-like drug with a similar structure. It's sometimes called acid, battery acid, zen, and hippie and can be either licked off a paper or swallowed from a capsule (pill). Because of the similar structure and characteristics, it is able to mimic serotonin, and overstimulates the serotonin receptors, causing a "trip" that distorts visual perceptions of reality making color seem brighter and stronger. Because no images are created, LSD is NOT actually a hallucinogen. LSD also affects judgement and behavior, which can both get out of control and lead the user to dangerous situations. Physical changes that can occur after consumption of LSD include "dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, trembling and shaking, sweating, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite" (Gavin, 2014).
Similarity to Serotonin
LSD is very similar to serotonin in structure. They both contain indole rings which include amine groups. LSD has two extra rings, and a few extra functional groups (like the ketone double-bonded oxygen).
Overall, the structures are alike and thus allows LSD to mimic serotonin in receptors. With lots of LSD, the receptors can be overstimulated and a trip can begin, lasting for hours.
Additionally, the dipole moment between the two molecuels is similar, with LSD holding a 3.04 debye dipole versus serotonin's 2.98 debye dipole (1debye = 3.335E-30c*m), meaning that they are similarly polar.
Finally, the electron densities of the two molecules are similar, as displayed in the below pictures. They resemble the same general shapes, with higher electron probabilities (blue) at the same places.
Due to the structural, chemical, and electrical similarities between serotonin and LSD, 5-HT (5-Hydroxytryptamine is serotonin) receptors can mistake LSD for serotonin and bind to LSD, explaining why LSD can cause the overstimulation of nerves.
Sources
Gavin, M. (2014). What You Need to Know About Drugs: LSD. Retrieved May 28, 2015, from http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/drugs_alcohol/know_drugs_lsd.html
What is LSD? How is LSD Made? What Does LSD Look Like? (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2015, from http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/lsd.html