Brain molecule linked to problem drinking

Bethesda, Md. -- U.S. and British researchers have discovered a brain molecule known as neurokinin 1, or NK1, plays a critical role in stress-related drinking.

Dr. Ting-Kai Li, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which led the study, said the findings "advance our understanding of the link between stress and alcohol dependence and raise the prospect of a new class of medications for treating alcoholism."

In pre-clinical studies, the researchers found mice genetically engineered to lack NK1 receptors consumed much less alcohol than did normal mice with fully functional receptors. In a later study, it was shown a compound that blocks NK1 receptors reduced alcohol craving among alcohol-dependent people who were highly anxious.

The blocking compound also reduced the exaggerated sensitivity to negative stimuli commonly observed in alcoholics, and restored their response to pleasurable stimuli, the scientists said.

The researchers said the findings suggest compounds that block NK1 receptors might have significant potential for the treatment of alcoholism and other addictions.

The research that included scientists from University College London and Lilly Research Laboratories appears in the online journal Science Express.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.