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A group of scientists in Sweden has revealed the molecular mechanism of alcohol dependence in a recent study published in the Science journal. According to scientists, lower levels of a protein in the brain may be the reason why drug addicts are attracted to alcohol as an alternative reward.
"We have to understand that one of the main features of addiction is that you know that it will hurt you, or even kill you, and that something is wrong with motivational control," continues Markus Heilig of Linkoping. University in Sweden.
For the study, the team used a mouse model to measure the expression of hundreds of genes in five brain regions. The animal study has given very startling insights into the human brain and patterns of addiction.
As part of the investigation, the role of reduced levels of GAT-3 in rats was examined. These rats initially preferred sugar water to alcohol. After the reduction, they were again presented with the choice between alcohol and sugar. The results revealed that 15 percent of the non-consanguineous rats chose alcohol with a reward of great value.
"Decreasing the expression of the carrier had a striking effect on the behavior of these rats, animals that had preferred the sweet taste to alcohol reversed their preference and began to choose alcohol" , explains Eric Augier.
The team then examined the levels of GAT-3 in the brain tissues of deceased humans who had documented an alcohol dependence. They have been found to have lower levels of protein than control individuals.
Scientists are optimistic that the results can help improve the treatment of alcohol dependence.
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