11 Jul Specific Type of Brain Neurons Control Excessive Alcohol Intake

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:,

Dr. Jun Wang

Jun Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (TAMU/TAMHSC)
TAMHSC COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Bryan, TX 77807

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Alcohol use disorder is a big problem for our society and only a limited number of medicine is available. We hope to find more treatment in animal models of alcoholism.

A group of neurons containing dopamine D2 receptors in the brain prevent us from drinking alcohol heavily.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Scientists find a specific type of neurons that inhibit alcohol intake, a new approach or medicine may be developed based on this findings to reduce excessive alcohol consumption in the nearly future.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Developing any approaches or drugs to increase D2-neuron activity.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: Try to say “No” to excessive alcohol use.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Distinct Synaptic Strengthening of the Striatal Direct and Indirect Pathways Drives Alcohol Consumption
Cheng, Yifeng et al.
Biological Psychiatry , Volume 0 , Issue 0 ,
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.05.016
November 30, 2015

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Last Updated on July 11, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD