Scott Emerson, MD, ABIHM, FACMT

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) , is our body’s naturally occurring psychedelic molecule, and is arguably the most powerful and mysterious of all psychedelics known.  DMT is the coiled, sleepy, intelligent & caretaking serpent-like biochemical entity within.  It surges explosively with a protective strike when serious threats appear. The function of this simple molecule is to provide powerful but brief, inwardly directed, biochemical and energetic protections for our cells and consciousness during periods of extreme physiological and environmental stresses.  It also has very important, sustained, but  less dramatic,  “ resting”, normal  functions that are  tightly regulated, maintaining DMT at low levels within the body.  These include normal sleep  cycle regulation, cellular repair, wound healing, mental health regulation, immune modulation,  infant and early childhood brain development, adult brain repair and maintenance, normal placental growth, cerebrospinal fluid production and many more as yet unknown roles within our bodies (Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024;  Dean, J et al , 2019;  Barker, S , 2025  Fereyddouni, S  2025).   

The ability to synthesize DMT is a well conserved function in evolution among many species of animals and plants.   It is currently thought that DMT may provide protective functions for plants much like for animals.  Humans certainly co-evolved with the presence of DMT containing plants.   We have also evolved metabolic protection within the GI tract  ( the enzyme mono amine oxidase – MAO) to prevent inadvertent psychedelic effects from  ingesting these DMT containing plants.  But thousands of years ago, indigenous humans, using highly developed ancient ways  of  knowing, now almost lost,  communicated with the Earth’s vast intelligence.  They  gained knowledge of powerful “plant spirits” that could teach them the wisdom ‘ways of being’ for the greatest good of all of life.  Ayahuasca ceremonial tea was created, containing two different plants.  First, was the Banisteriopis vine bark, containing mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) that prevents the GI tract destruction of DMT.  Second, Psychotria leaves  containing large amounts of psychedelic DMT was added to the brew.  Co-evolution had now opened a dramatic portal for us to receive wisdom teachings and dialogue via biochemical forms of communication from the Kingdom of Plant’s perspective of hundreds of millions of years of  successful life on Earth before us. The life force indeed,  has the long view.

Endogenous Synthesis.

DMT is synthesized  within multiple tissues  of our body from tryptophan, an essential amino acid obtained through our diet. Essential means that we cannot manufacture tryptophan ourselves, and must consume it from outside sources.  It is now thought that the Earth itself may have received the first tryptophan from outside sources like asteroids billions of years ago ( the recent findings on the asteroid Benna  – Cowing, K, 2025).  

The synthesis of DMT begins with tryptophan being decarboxylated in peripheral tissues creating tryptamine.  Then  two methyl groups are added replacing the two hydrogens on the amino or nitrogen terminus of the molecule by using the enzyme indolethylamine N-methyl transferase (INMT)  (Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024).  This critical enzyme for creating DMT is distributed widely across the body’s  tissues , predominantly in the lungs, brain, spinal cord,  thyroid,  adrenal, & pineal glands. and  the spinal fluid producing choroid plexus.  The specific brain regions with the highest DMT synthesis ability are the  frontal cortex, occipital cortex, parietal cortex, temporal lobe,  & amygdala ( Colosimo, F et al, 2024).

DMT’s Normal Role Within the Body

The DMT Surge.  DMT’s most dramatic role appears to be the inducible release and metabolic surges providing cellular adaptation and protection  against severe environmental & physiologic  challenges, like Near Death Experiences  (NDEs). It has been documented to immediately surge at least 10 times above baselines in  the cerebral cortex of animals after cardiac arrest  in near death experiments (Dean, J et al , 2019 ). Sudden excitation of the  D neurons and release of their stored DMT,  are likely a major source of DMT’s natural surges during NDEs . These surges are accompanied by a sudden impairment  of DMT’s main  deactivating metabolic enzyme , MAO,  as well as  the rapid activation of DMT’s main synthesis enzyme, INMT,  in response to low oxygen tensions  and acid /base pH changes  ( Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024 ).   The net result  of all of these metabolic changes is a sudden rise in global DMT concentrations throughout the body, but especially within the brain during an NDE.  Fasting, psychotropic breathwork,  isolation,  sensory deprivation, & deep pratyahara yoga meditation practices may also trigger mild surges of DMT.

 Background DMT.  DMT’s baseline production and clearance is metabolically tightly regulated during  normal physiologic, oxygenated states.  DMT levels are higher in young children than adults and may  fluctuate with the time of day. DMT is now been shown to occur in  equal brain concentrations to other well documented central nervous system brain neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine  ( Barker, S,  2025).  In peripheral organs, the heart &  lungs have the greatest potential to produce the most DMT, while serotonin (5HT)  a closely related non-psychedelic tryptamine neurotransmitter,  is  produced mainly within the GI tract.   Within the brain, DMT is mainly produced and stored within pyramidal cell neocortex neurons called D neurons that produce  only DMT as their neurotransmitter ( Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024;  Dean, J et al , 2019).  These neurons are widely connected to cortical glutamatnergic ( glutamate neurotransmitter secreting ) neurons as well as other types of neurons within the cerebral cortex. The pineal gland also produces DMT as well as other active tryptamine compounds like pinoline, a beta carboline, that is a monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitor  (MAOI) .  These pineal sourced beta carboline concentrations can cyclically rise and fall, subtly decreasing  or increasing the degradation of background DMT levels by small amounts, resulting in fluctuations of consciousness during  deep and REM sleep phases ( Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024 ). 

DMT Pharmacodynamics & Pharmacokinetics.  DMT is different from other psychedelic medicines produced outside of the body like psilocybin, mescaline and  LSD .  The brain does not develop resistance to DMT’s subjective psychedelic effects with repeated dosing.  The development of drug resistance  is called   tachyphylaxis.  For example if psilocybin is given daily for 3 days, by the third day the individual reports greatly diminished or no psychedelic effects.  DMT does not act this way and does not display cross tolerance with other psychedelic substances.  It’s psychedelic effects remain as strong as the first dose after serial administration.    It also has a very low toxicity compared to other psychedelics. ( Chaves, C., 2024). It does not down-regulate serotonin receptors like the  transmembrane 5HT2ARs, now thought to be the primary serotonin subtype receptor activated to produce psychedelic effects by psilocybin, mescaline, &  LSD.    Unlike other psychedelics, DMT is also more aggressively absorbed  and stored into the brain and it’s neurons.  It’s actions are not only at externalized neuron cell membrane receptors , but also much more inside the neurons , activating unique receptors inside these cells. This includes it’s activation of intracellular forms of the 5HT2A receptor & intracellular Sigma – 1 receptors (Colosimo, F et. al. , 2024).  DMT also has a very short half life existence in the body compared to other psychedelics, being eliminated within 20 minutes and  delivers a very intense, but brief,  psychedelic experience as long as  MAO is  not inhibited (Malcolm, B, 2025).

The exact biomolecular actions of DMT within individual neurons  to provide a psychedelic experience, neuro protection  and brain neuropasticity and “rewiring” during and after a NDE or an ayahuasca ceremony session is complex, and a frontier of current scientific explorations.

DMT & The 5HT (Serotonin) Receptor System 

The serotonin system of receptors includes at least 14 subtypes, each exerting different effects within the brain and body when activated  (agonized) or blocked (antagonized). Serotonin, or, 5 hydroxy tryptamine (5HT) , is the essential  neurotransmitter molecule interacting with these trans cell membrane receptors much like a ball for a transcellular membrane catcher’s mitt during normal physiologic states ( Chaves, C et. et.al, 2024). The entire serotonin system acts as a a fine tuning modulator for the brain and  of other different neuron neurotransmitter types. Of all these subtypes of serotonin receptors, the 5 HT2A receptors are the most abundant within the central nervous system  (Sapienza, J, 2025).   These various subtype receptors can be imagined as different notes on a piano some played, some not.    This creates different chords of consciousness, emotional,  or physiologic  states,  depending on a neuro transmitter’s, or a drug’s,  ability to stimulate, mildly stimulate, or block each individual subtype of receptor. For example,  DMT activation at extracellular 5HT2A receptors has marked anti-inflammatory effects while serotonin’s type of  activation of the same receptor is pro inflammatory ( Chang et al , 2021). Of all these subtypes, the 5 HT2A receptor ( 5HT2AR ) not only has a trans cell membrane location, but also a totally  intra cellular location  pool associated with Golgi Bodies and microtubule cytoskeleton organelles.  These intracellular receptor forms of 5HT2AR’s are stored prominently within the branching dendrite limbs of Layer V pyramidal  neurons in the cerebral cortex ( Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024; Barker, S , 2025).   While DMT has less affinity for the transmembrane 5HT2A receptor  subtype than serotonin, unlike serotonin, it can easily and efficiently enter directly into the cell without the need for active energy transport.  This is because DMT’s molecular structure makes it more lipid soluble  and much more  able to directly cross into the cell and interact with the intracellular 5HT2AR to create immediate,  subjective psychedelic effects.  Alternatively, the non-psychedelic, serotonin  molecule, due to it’s charged hydroxyl group, is unable to directly cross through the cell membrane and interacts with only the transmembrane located 5HT2AR. Psychedelic effects thus occur primarily via agonist effects with the intracellular 5HT2AR.  In addition, increased DMT  concentrations outside the neuron cell,  can aggressively hijack serotonin’s transmembrane (SERT) & trans-vesicle (VMAT)  energy dependent active transporters.  This displaces normal serotonin transport from outside to the inside of the cell.  This ability effectively transforms serotonin secreting neurons into dimethytryptaminergic secreting neurons ( Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024 ; Barker, S , 2025; Cristiano, C 2024 ).  After naturally increased concentrations during extreme environmental stress on our body, or, when administered via teas during ayahuasca ceremonies,   the  subsequent build-up of intracellular DMT insures DMTs exclusive action with the intracellular 5HT2A receptors within the brain and other organs.   It’s ability to hijack normal serotoniergic neuron presynaptic vesicles facilitates traditional synaptic cleft transmembrane receptor signaling by DMT as well, transforming a serotoniergic tuned reality into a dimethyltryptaminergic tuned separate reality.  DMT acts as a traditional presynaptic neurotransmitter agonist with other subtypes of extracellular serotonin receptors including 1A, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2C,  5, 6, & 7.  The latter two may be involved somewhat in neuroplasticity effects.  1A is also  the main psychedelic effect target of another less studied psychedelic tryptamine,  5 methoxy-DMT.  Activation of 5HT1A receptors by DMT likely opens a consciousness gateway for the calmness and light commonly experienced during NDEs  (Blackburne, G et al, 2024, Martial, C et al , 2025).  Stimulation of 2C has anti addictive effects and  DMT stimulation  at 1D  and 2B  seem to have anti-migraine effects (  Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024 ).  The “DMT chord” being played in the brain is different in many ways from the default “serotonin chord” being played routinely during ordinary reality.

DMT’’s Activation of Intracellular 5HT2A Receptors and Neuroplastic Effects. Intracellular 5HT2ARs are located most densely within the frontal and temporal cortex neurons of the brain and may be involved in the unique rewiring brain effects discovered  following DMT surges.  Specifically, these intracellular 5HT2A receptors are now thought to be involved in subsequent activation of microtubular resonances and neuroplasticity dendritic growth that accompany changes in perspectives and values following NDEs and Ayahuasca ceremonies.  Blocking of cell surface 5HT2ARs had no effect on DMTs ability to induce neuroplasticity in pyramidal cell neurons suggesting that other  intracellular mechanisms are involved in neuroplasticity effects (Vargus, M , 2023  Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024).    

The mechanisms of the intracellular 5HT2AR activation to induce neuroplastic effects is not completely understood at this time.  Intracellular 5HT2A receptors are co-located  and can activate multiple proteins  ( like TrkB, MAP1A ) involved in  the growth and resonance stabilization of microtubules leading to new neuronal dendrite growth and branching into new brain areas ( Sapienza, J, 2023 & Vargus, M 2023 ).    Recent studies point to microtubule cytoskeletal network growth and subsequent dynamic changes  in their resonance frequencies as significant contributors to information processing at sub neuronal scales  ( Hameroff, S, 2022 , Catrambone, E , 2025).  

DMT and Intracellular Sigma 1 Receptor Activation.   DMT is also an intracellular key activating the Sigma 1 receptor ( Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024).  Sigma 1 resides in an intra cellular location in all cells along the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum  ( ER) and mitochondria. It is co-located at these sites near enzymes responsible for DMT synthesis like INMT.   Sigma 1 is not really a receptor as much as an ad hoc activatable polypeptide chaperone.  It  normally rests on the ER & mitochondrial membranes where it  regulates calcium flux, protein folding, lipid domains, and stress responses to the ER and mitochondria ( Szabo et.al., 2024).    With the onset of DMT surges, DMT acts intracellularly by binding to this mobile polypeptide.  This results in immediate increase in INMT enzyme activity and DMT synthesis  in a positive feed back loop increasing DMT concentrations within the cell.  The sigma1 activation also speeds the release of  brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) within neuron cells.   This increased BDNF now works in conjunction with DMTs simultaneous intracellular 5HT2A receptor activation effects  that mobilize microtubular support proteins to facilitate and amplify microtubular growth and reorganization  (Szabo et al , 2021, Dean et al , 2019).  In addition,  these Sigma1 chaperone polypeptides are activated by DMT and  move immediately into many other transmembrane protein locations within the cell and provide modulating of functions for them to help  protect  the cell from damage  caused by abnormal ion fluxes during an NDE.  The net result is  to provide neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti inflammatory, anti apoptotic, immune modulation and neuro regenerative actions for the cell.

DMT and Nuclear Transcription Changes.  DMT surges triggered by hypoxia and ischemia also have been found to activate the cell’s nuclear transcription of  enzymes that favor tryptamine synthesis from tryptophan over other metabolic pathways (HI-1)  (Fincham et al 2023). Within neurons, DMT  activates immediate early genes (IEGs)  that provide rapid response of proteins like tubulin to facilitate neuroplastic changes. The epigenetic and cell nuclear transcriptive effects  of DMT are a frontier area of research.

DMT as Medicine. DMT’s unique , biomolecular, protective and regenerative abilities detailed above , usher in it’s potential for treatment of a broad range of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.  DMT’s unique natural role in normal physiologic functions  coincides with an  exceptional safety profile and non-toxic nature compared to  most other psychedelics and current psychiatric drugs.  It’s short duration of action of 20 to 30 minutes compared to other psychedelics make it more practical and cost effective for clinical use compared to other psychedelic drugs currently under investigation ( Chaves et al, 2024).  DMT  could be intravenously administered along with thrombolytics, in emergent situations to mitigate cellular damage in cases of stroke or myocardial infarction.  DMT as well as other psychedelic’s ability to generate mystical experiences within altered states of consciousness appear,  in multiple case studies, to be associated with much higher cure rates in neuropsychiatric disorders (Kishon, R, 2025,  Vollebregt, R, 2026).  The current emphasis and attempts by pharmaceutical companies to create drugs featuring neuroplastic effects without the psychedelic effects may be very misguided.

A square, brightly lit,  gateway appeared on the ground. I approached and curiously gazed  down into it.   Immediately, I found myself looking forward within it, hurtling through  a tunnel at quite a speed outside of time and normal space. Thousands of brilliant green leaves of infinite shades folding and unfolding in a dynamic kaleidoscope fashion surrounded me. It was totally captivating and astonishing.  I was soon pulled into one of these unfurling leaves and found myself floating before an enormous, seductive and gentle, plant  entity.  I was feeling non verbal communications from her vast intelligence through my chest and heart. It was too fast and to much to take in by thinking.  I was only able to feel it. Every pulse of this contact with her was an overwhelming,  healing,  golden energy that coursed through my entire being.  “ I want you to come be with me.  You have prepared yourself well for our encounter.  We have been waiting for you to get back to us.”

personal log – Ayahuasca Ceremony, Manu National Park, Peru ,  12 November 2003

And the rest, as they say ,  is history – of a changed life.

DMT’s Psychedelic Feature:  Our Molecular Energetic Tuning Probe Into the Body’s Wireless Network &  Underlying Parallel Energetic Realities of Life and Consciousness Within Spacetime.* Note –  Some of the following is hypothetical, but, is  based on published peer reviewed evidence.(Hameroff, S, 2022: Catrambone, E, 2025; Hunt, T, 2025;  Avila, J et al, 2024; Hoff, K et al , 2022; Vohryzek, J et al, 2025;  Na Liu et al 2022; Zhu, Z  et al , 2025; Timmermann 2023; Aishwarya, R, et al, 2026; Brasovan, S, et al 2025; Park, P   2025; Hosseini,  E , 2021;  Minhyeok, , C et al, 2025; Chierici, F, 2022;  Ma, S  2024)

The field of quantum biology & medicine is now rapidly advancing a paradigm shift  away from just chemical & molecular bio-mechanical signaling pathways to explain cellular communication and consciousness into the view of highly energy efficient intracellular wireless networks.  The idea is that evolution may have favored electromagnetic ( EM) field dynamics for their energetic  & metabolic advantages  as well as their computational power at the cellular level, with the ability to orchestrate 37 quadrillion chemical reactions per second within the body. Consciousness would be a function of EM field resonances  with neuron firing being derivative, and providing energetic input & support to sustain specific conscious states within the larger field.  Growing evidence supports these wireless networks operating in the terra Hertz ( THz)  frequency ranges with vast microtubular cytoskeleton arrays acting as transducing, receiving and broadcast antennas.   

Microtubules: Their Spiraling Dance Into Life’s “Tera Hertz Gap”.  Specific THz frequencies and their beat frequencies are the new electronic lock and key for molecular conformational communications and electromagnetic energy resonances within living systems.   Microtubules are composed of smaller tubulin subunits of alpha and beta tubulin each of which has 8 to 10 unique isoforms.  These tubulin isoforms may be arranged within larger cylindrical microtubules built in near infinite patterns, with their structuring guided by EM field resonances.  Vast amounts of information may be received , stored and given via these sub-neuronal microtubular networks. This occurs at instantaneous speeds with dynamic resonances linked to “tuning”  of cellular mechanisms.  Microtubules and other macromolecules in the cell are constantly vibrating at various THz frequencies and have a documented affinity for THz resonance.  New evidence documents the existence  of dynamic THz  EM fields underlying and orchestrating biomolecular systems within the electromagnetic spectrum at  the “terra hertz gap”  ( 0.1 – 10 THz). The “THz gap” is a unique range of the EM energy spectrum  that is well tolerated by living systems. This  specific energy range  is non-ionizing &  nondestructive  to living cells.  It is however extremely well absorbed by water within living cells, and only propagates for very short distances in the centimeter range. However this energy, when  absorbed by water,  creates large dynamic structured hydration shells around all molecules within in living systems including large protein microtubules that resonate in THz frequencies.  These THz created hydration shells then act in a positive feedback fashion to strengthen and clarify THz inter molecular communication within living systems ( Shimmelpfennig, J  et. al , 2024;  Sun, G. et al , 2022, Ma, S et al, 2024, Poiorni, J et al 2021, Penkov, N, 2023).  The net result, is that each single molecular THz transmission, may have an effective signal radius of around 700 cells that can spread out in a complex dynamic resonance throughout the entire brain. Further studies have documented likely quantum superposition  of pi electron clouds existing within the especially dense configuration of aromatic amino acid rings within the lumens of microtubular structures. This likely is providing  a potential microtubular information gateway down into the faster, smaller, higher frequencies and quantum scales of our 4 dimensional spacetime ( Hamaroff, 2022).

The Microtubule’s Psychedelic Dance With DMT.  DMT causes, rapid , nearly instantaneous, distinctive, changes  in EEG measurements.  EEG is typically  capable of measuring between  the 1 — 100 Hz ranges.  These DMT induced changes  are noteworthy for a marked clearing  in the alpha ( 8-13 Hz) &  beta (13-30 Hz) ranges associated with normal awake consciousness.   The theta frequencies ( 4 – 8 Hz) , associated with animal mapping and navigation with the Earth’s frequencies  (7.83 Hz),  as well as REM sleep states,  is briefly increased at the beginning of the  DMT psychedelic ‘trip’.  The major changes seen during the psychedelic experience though, are a marked increase in the delta frequencies (1-4 Hz)  found in  deep sleep states , as well as a marked increase in gamma frequencies ( 30- 100 Hz)  seen during deep meditation as well as with out of body experiences, (Timmermann, 2023  Hunt, T,  2025 ).  These are the just the basic measurements that we are able to make with the current tools.   The EEG measurements are thought to represent downward aural  beat frequencies occurring from  very slight frequency variations originating at much higher  THz primary frequency resonances being transduced, broadcast and received by neuronal microtubule cytoskeletons ( Hunt, T  2025).  These EEG changes are associated with dramatic brain functional connectivity changes documented by fMRI and magneto-encephalographic studies.  An increased connectivity of consciousness to sensory information accompanied by a disruption of the normal gating and compartmentalized modular processing linked to ego consciousness is well documented.  The net result is the creation of a more ancient bottom up form of information,  rather than a top down form of conscious ego awareness.  (Volebregt, R, , 2026).  

DMT  can rapidly enter deep intracellular areas like the lumen of microtubules, where high concentrations of aromatic ring structure amino acids are found grouped in close proximity at the atomic level (Hameroff, S  2022).  These internal areas of the microtubule contain large concentrations of oscillating pi electrons held into quantum super-positioned states of possibilities ( see figure above).  When DMT, and likely other aromatic psychedelics, enter these areas, they can trigger a sudden orchestrated objective reduction  (Orch OR) or collapse of these quantum superpositions bringing information up from deeper ranges of spacetime into the THz frequencies. This  creates unique microtubular resonances (Hamaroff S 2022, Kalra, A, 2023).     In addition and simultaneously, DMT is binding intracellular 5HT2A receptors and Sigma 1 macromolecules.  This is activating them, changing their conformational and electromagnetic signalling to their co-located microtubular networks within the Layer V pyramidal cells of the neocortex ( Park, P 2025, Hosselni, , 2021, Zhu, Z et al, 2025  Cavallini, C  2024).     All of the above is being transduced and coalesced , clarified and amplified, into new and different THz ‘tuned’ bandwidth resonances by the microtubules within Layer V   pyramidal neurons in the brain cortex. Instantly broadcast by these Layer V antennas into widely different brain areas, a uniquely sourced state of consciousness  is experienced by us. We are able to coarsely measure this by observing the frequency changes on an EEG.

The “brightly lit portal“ then opens, and we see and feel that our consciousness is woven into the infinite fabric of spacetime with the energies of the life force and love.