[ad_1]
Tariq Cain
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute, a US center for medical research focused on research in basic medical sciences, have shown that it was possible to reverse the desire to consume alcohol in rat mice by targeting a part of the brain with the help of laser beams.
During the experiment, alcohol-dependent mice found complete disappearance of their symptoms when they used lasers to discourage so-called cortical cortical factor (CRF) neurons.
This reflected not only his desire to drink alcohol, but also the reduction of physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as strong vibrations.
However, when the lasers are turned off, the mouse-dependent symptoms reappear immediately.
"This research identifies a specific nerve group in a deep brain area that is activated during alcohol weaning and controls alcohol abuse in the rodent model of alcoholism." "said Oliver George, associate professor at the Scripps Research Institute for Digital Trends.
"We also determine through the downstream pathways controlled by these neurons located in the rest of the brain, addictive behaviors.What is interesting is that we were able to control the motivation of the abuse of alcohol in alcohol-dependent people, The main direction is to implant fiber optics deep into the brain and to use a laser that specifically inhibits these neurons, which significantly reduces alcohol consumption and the associated physical symptoms at weaning. "
Genetic optics
The study, published in the journal Nature Connection on March 18, 2019, has relied on significant advances in genetic optics, a neuroscientific technique for controlling living brain cells at the same time. using fiber optic cables.
This method is used to modify neuronal processes using a combination of visual and genetic techniques. It involves monitoring and monitoring the activities of individual neurons in living tissue and then modifying them appropriately to reduce the disease.
The technique relies mainly on light-sensitive proteins that have the property of converting light into electrical energy, which can be used to stimulate neurons using light.
The function of these proteins is the light sensor: when these proteins are added to the nerve, they cause cells to emit a neuronal signal as soon as they are exposed to a certain wavelength of light.
The work is promising
These works are promising because they suggest that it would be possible to develop new therapies to combat addiction by focusing on the brain circuits. In the human to control the addiction.
[ad_2]
Source link
