A team of researchers at Scripps has uncovered findings that suggest a new potential target for developing drugs to treat alcohol use disorder. People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) experience a never-ending vicious cycle of changes in the brain and behavior. AUD can disrupt communication pathways
Researchers discovered higher than usual levels of the immune signaling molecule interleukin 1β in neurons from the brains of alcohol-dependent mice. Credit: Scripps Research
“These inflammatory changes to the brain could explain some of the risky decision-making and impulsivity we see in people with alcohol use disorder,” says senior author Marisa Roberto, Ph.D., the Schimmel Family Chair of Molecular Medicine and a professor of neuroscience at Scripps Research. “In addition, our findings are incredibly exciting because they suggest a potential way to treat alcohol use disorder with existing anti-inflammatory drugs targeting the IL-1β pathway.
In the new study, Roberto, Varodayan, and their colleagues compared alcohol-dependent mice with animals drinking moderate or no alcohol at all. They discovered that the alcohol-dependent group had about twice as much IL-1β in the medial prefrontal cortex , a part of the brain that plays a role in regulating emotions and behaviors.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Lonely College Lifestyle: New Study Reveals the Connection Between Loneliness and Unhealthy HabitsCollege students who reported a higher level of loneliness also reported engaging in more sedentary behavior and having lower levels of physical activity. Moving to a new environment, a common experience for college freshmen can lead to heightened feelings of loneliness. The National College Heal
Read more »
Making $100,000 in New York 'feels like' just $36,000, new study saysMaking $100,000 in New York City 'feels like' only $36,000, according to new study. Here are the top 10 cities where your money goes further.
Read more »
Study Reveals Falling Satisfaction With Home Charging ExperienceHome charging is still far superior to filling up at a gas station, amirite?
Read more »
NASA Reveals New Space Suit Design To Go To The Moon - Videos from The Weather ChannelNASA reveals a new space suit design for astronauts to not only wear to the ISS but also during the upcoming Artemis missions to the moon. - Videos from The Weather Channel | weather.com
Read more »
Study details new Seattle area commute patternsA new study from the University of Washington’s Mobility Innovation Center and Commute Seattle finds traffic is back not just because of work trips.
Read more »
NECA Reveals Two New Elvira Figures Up For Preorder NowNECA has revealed two new Elvira figures that are up for preorder now, including a cool new Toony Terrors figure and her slaying in red.
Read more »