New study reveals brain cell mechanism of alcohol dependence |
Written by NetDoc.com Medical News Feed | |||
Washington, DC May 27, 2008 A study released today reveals a cellular mechanism involved in alcohol dependence. The study, in the May 28 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience, shows that gabapentin, a drug used to treat chronic pain and epilepsy, reduces alcohol intake in alcohol-dependent rats by normalizing chemical communication between neurons, which is altered by chronic alcohol abuse. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)
The study authors found that gabapentin reduced alcohol intake in rats chronically exposed to alcohol, but not in rats that were chronically unexposed. Gabapentin reduced alcohol intake in alcohol-dependent rats whether it was given systemically or infused directly into the central amygdala, supporting the importance of the central amygdala in alcohol dependence.
In the study, gabapentin and chronic alcohol exposure both affected GABA B (GABAB) receptors. The authors believe that alcohol abuse alters the function of these receptors, and gabapentin may be able to counteract alcohol dependence by regulating their function. |
< Prev | Next > |
---|
Swine Flu - Updates and information on H1N1 2009 (AKA Swine Influenza) pandemic.
Ankylosing spondylitis - Current protocols for diagnosis and treatment options.
Wegener granulomatosis - Autoimmune etiology and clinical course.
Diabetes - disease and management information, including diagnosis, typical treatment plans and diabetes supplies.
The US medical jobs market has stayed hot for health care providers. Whether you believe that a provider shortage is in the offing or that the ratio of physicians-to-patients is too high, physician jobs and nursing jobs abound.
A wide variety of medical jobs can be found in the netdoc health care job listings. Particular strengths include permanent and locum tenens physician jobs, nursing jobs across the US, and radiology positions.
Other resources include physician salary information, medical career guidance, and the ability to post physician jobs.