Posted on 02/20/2005 4:13:54 PM PST by LurkedLongEnough
Alcohol interferes with how brain cells communicate with one another, coordination, grogginess, impaired memory and loss of inhibitions associated with drunkenness. Yet researchers have been unable to pinpoint how alcohol causes this disruption in the brain.
Now scientists at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have deciphered how a naturally occurring gene mutation in rats' brains lowers the animals' tolerance to alcohol, leading to rapid and acute intoxication after the equivalent of one drink. The UCLA study is the first to identify how the gene variation alters GABA receptors -- specific sites targeted by chemicals from the brain cells -- making them more responsive to very low levels of alcohol. Alcohol enhances the GABA receptors' influence on brain cells, slowing the cells' activity and ability to communicate.
The fact that the gene mutation arises naturally suggests that tolerance levels to alcohol may be genetically wired in people, too. If so, the findings could eventually help identify children and adults at higher risk of developing alcohol dependency, so these individuals can make an informed decision about whether to drink. The study results may also speed the development of new drugs that target alcohol-sensitive GABA receptors, leading to better treatments for alcohol poisoning and addiction.
Authors of the study include UCLA Brain Research Institute members Richard Olsen, Ph.D., professor of molecular and medical pharmacology; Thomas Otis, Ph.D., associate professor of neurobiology; and Martin Wallner, Ph.D., pharmacology researcher.
The Feb. 6 online edition of Nature Neuroscience reports the findings.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Addiction supported the research.
Typical UCLA fixation.
I much prefer a Guinness or a fine, very aged scotch, meself!
Yeah, I'm having trouble with that one too.
"I just can't figure out how a topic like this could pre-occupy so many bright minds."
Perhaps you've answered your own question?
This is great! Maybe now someone will devise a calorie-free means of achieving the same effects. 'Scuse me. Gotta go get another lite beer...
"Getting older, I find I enjoy the taste of fine spirits and good beer more but really dislike the mind numbing effect."
Excellent!!! Figure out how to make the former without the later and there's billions to be made.
Guy wins the lottery. Tells the college he'll donate enough to build a dorm if they'll name it after him. They say, okay. Next fall, he's invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony for "Lucky B@stard Hall." (rimshot)
in vino veritas...
xactly.
Whew! Game, set and match...
too many experiments?
no kidding.....I find the more I drink, the more I"m the most important, handsome, clever and funniest man in the room.......isn't that a good thing?????
no, just givem all the free booze he can drink.
woah!
that's serious. I know cause I been there. People hold that kind of stuff against you for a really long time.
I smell a rat in this undoubtedly taxpayer funded study.
Alcohol anesthetizes the brain cells.It puts them to sleep.
Take two alcohol molecules, remove the H2O and your left with ether.
This is very interesting stuff. The researchers aren't trying to make a social statement about alcohol consumption. They are trying to understand the fundamental chemistry in the brain that causes alcohol's effects. Based on this article, they have found a genetic effect on alcohol sensitivity. In other words, why different people can experience differing degrees of alcohol's effects. some people do get drunk much more easily than others, even after weight and sex are considered.
It's just the same with me. In my younger days I downed many a bottle of Boone's Farm. You know, I don't see the Apple variety in the stores any longer. If I did, I'd probably get a bottle, just for old time's sake. But yes, now that I can afford some of the finer things, there's nothing quite like a good Scotch, or stout, or lager, or ale.
I hate being abused by alcohol.
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