ISSN:
0020-7608
Keywords:
Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling
;
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
A theory is outlined of the nature and origin of drug-induced visual hallucination patterns. It is shown that such patterns correspond to blobs or stripes of visual neo-cortical activity. A neuronal circuit is described that generates such patterns whenever its homogeneous resting state becomes unstable. Such a process is shown to be an example of spontaneous symmetry-breaking, similar to that occurring in electro-weak interactions, and in fluid convection. It is suggested that the neuronal instability is produced by the action of hallucinogens on monoamine secreting brain-stem neurons.
Additional Material:
12 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/qua.560220518