Title: Visual Cortex Plasticity Reveals the Neural Actions of Psychedelics: Insights from Ibogaine

Speaker: Francesco Mattia Rossi

Biography: Francesco Mattia Rossi is an Associate Professor at the Universidad de la República, Uruguay, where he leads research on visual cortex plasticity and neuroplasticity. Trained in Italy, with postdoctoral experience in France and Brazil, he has built an internationally recognized career in neuroscience. His research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain plasticity, with recent work on cofilin, proteomics, epigenetics, and psychedelic compounds. Rossi has held numerous scientific leadership roles in Latin America, serves on editorial boards and review panels, and has an extensive publication record. He teaches undergraduate and graduate neuroscience courses.

Abstract: Psychedelics are increasingly recognized for their capacity to promote neural plasticity, yet the mechanisms underlying these effects remain incompletely understood. In this talk, we present new evidence that a single administration of the atypical psychedelic ibogaine can restore juvenile-like experience-dependent plasticity in the adult mouse visual cortex. Using a well-established model of ocular dominance plasticity, we show that ibogaine reopens a window of heightened cortical adaptability, enabling structural and functional changes that are normally restricted to early development. These effects are accompanied by a reduction in key inhibitory and extracellular matrix components that act as “brakes” on plasticity, including perineuronal nets, parvalbumin interneurons, and inhibitory synaptic markers. Our findings provide new insights into the cellular mechanisms through which ibogaine may exert its long-lasting therapeutic actions and highlight its potential as a powerful modulator of adult brain plasticity.

Location: IN CNR, Aula Fiorentini, Via Moruzzi 1, Entrance 22, second floor

Date: 15th July 2026

Time: 5.00 PM