Brain’s “Off Switch” for Binge Drinking Discovered
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The brain might have a hidden “off switch” for binge drinking, and it seems to be governed by fewer than 500 brain cells, new research suggests.
The study, published June 10 in the journal Nature Neuroscience found that in mice, activating or blocking this unique cluster of brain cells, or neurons, can suppress or unleash binge drinking.
If the same “off switch” can be found in humans,this tiny neural circuit could become a new target for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
“What we have learned over the past five to 10 years is that the diversity [of the brain] is absolutely staggering, and it doesn’t take many neurons to control behaviors,” lead author Gilles Martin, an associate professor of neurobiology at UMass Chan Medical School, told Live Science. “This study seems to really agree with that.”
A Brake in the Brain
For the past decade, scientists have suspected that the medial orbitofrontal cortex – a brain region that helps weigh whether a reward is worth its negative consequences – has been involved in binge drinking. But until now, they didn’t have the technical know-how to understand what was going on inside this region.
Now, using new mice that had been genetically engineered to have the molecular equivalent of a genetic light switch, martin and his colleagues looked for hidden structures inside this complex web of neurons.
The team used optogenetics – a technique in which light stimulation can be used to switch certain genes on or off – to identify in real time which brain cells lit up in response to alcohol consumption. They could then excite or suppress that region of the brain to see how it affected the mice’s behavior.
Key Numbers
- 4%: The approximate percentage of the medial orbitofrontal cortex that makes up the “off switch” cluster.
- Less than 500: The estimated number of brain cells governing the “off switch.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is optogenetics?
Optogenetics is a technique where light stimulation is used to control cells that have been genetically modified to be light-sensitive.
Where is the medial orbitofrontal cortex located?
The medial orbitofrontal cortex is a region of the brain involved in decision-making and evaluating the consequences of actions.
Could this research lead to new treatments for alcohol use disorder?
Yes, if the same “off switch” is found in humans, it could become a target for new therapies.
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