From the ArcaMax Publishing, Health & Fitness Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/healthtips/s-361012-839371
SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) -- In an animal study, U.S. researchers found
boosting the level of a specific brain protein quickly cut excessive
drinking of alcohol.
However, the treatment didn't block other "pleasure-seeking behaviors"
-- in this case, craving sweets, scientists at the University of
California, San Francisco-affiliated Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research
Center said.
In 2005, the researchers reported that increased levels of this brain
protein, known as GDNF, cut alcohol consumption.
The new study, published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, established how quickly the effect works and and shows for
the first time that the chemical blocks relapse and doesn't interfere
with normal cravings. The research also pinpointed the brain site
where GDNF acts to control drinking.
"There is a tremendous need for therapies to treat alcohol abuse,"
senior author Dorit Ron said in a statement. "Unfortunately, only
three drugs are currently approved to treat excessive drinking and all
have serious limitations. Our findings open the door to a promising
new strategy to combat alcohol abuse, addiction and especially
relapse."