| Alcohol triggers opioid reward pathways |
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Scientists have used PET scanning to observe for the first time endorphins being released in the brain as a result of alcohol consumption. Endorphins are morphine like chemicals which are produced naturally in the body. The researchers found that there was a direct correlation between the release of endorphins in certain parts of the brain and the subjective pleasure experienced by drinkers. The areas of the brain observed are known to be related to pleasure, reward and addiction. This may help scientists understand why alcohol is so addictive. It may also allow the creation of better drugs to treat alcoholism. Naltrexone is a drug currently used to treat alcoholism by blocking opioid receptors to reduce cravings. It has some unwanted side effects however and this research could help scientists create drugs targeted just at specific receptors. Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111155137.htm Science Translation Medicine (Paper): http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/4/116/116ra6.abstract |