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Scientists have been successful in "reversing" alcoholism in rats by using lasers to "extinguish" the desire to drink in rodents dependent on alcohol.
The technique used rats implanted with fiber optics to shine laser light on certain brain cells (corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) neurons) believed to be related to alcohol dependence.
The technique itself can not be used on humans because it requires an implanted optical fiber, but could offer a new target for future alcoholism treatments, say the researchers.
In the experiment, scientists have projected light via optical fibers into neurons, supposedly linked to alcoholism.
Scripps researchers found that alcoholic rats regained the same level of drinking as before exposure to alcohol.
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The researchers also found a reduction in withdrawal symptoms such as tremors.
Researcher Giordano de Guglielmo said, "In this multidisciplinary study, we have been able to characterize, target and manipulate a critical subset of neurons responsible for excessive alcohol consumption."
Olivier Georgesaid, Associate Professor, said: "This discovery is exciting. This means that we have another piece of the puzzle to explain the neural mechanism that leads to alcohol consumption. "
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