Unique biological and physiological properties of endogenous N, N-dimethyltryptamine from the perspective of functioning of the nervous system

N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alka­loid commonly known as a dimethyl derivative of tryptamine belonging to the classic psychedelics and isendogenous in many plant species, animals, and humans. Its psychedelic effects include distortions of visual, spatial, and temporal perception and somatic sensations. However, the potential health benefits of DMT rather than its effects on consciousness are currently the subject of intense debate. In particular, the role of DMT as a psychoplastogen, a substance influencing neurogenesis, gliogenesis, and structural and functional plasticity, highlights the prospect of exploiting DMT’s therapeutic potential. Furthermore, DMT shows promise for treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, DMT simultaneously exhibits neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties and enhances anti-inflammatory effects, and may also play a pivotal role in the protection of nerve cells during oxidative stress, with the secretion of DMT during near-death states considered a natural defense mechanism of the body. As such, this article aims to summarize the state of research on DMTs’ unique biological and physiological properties within the context of nervous system function. Moreover, DMT occurrence, synthesis and function, and its role as a neurotransmitter with an affinity for serotonergic and sigma-1 receptors, for which it is a natural ligand, are considered, and the main DMT-binding receptors and their functional effects are highlighted.