AANS Neurosurgeon | Volume 26, Number 3, 2017

Researchers Pinpoint Neurons That Tell the Brain When to Stop Drinking

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Activation of D2 neurons could discourage alcoholics from wanting another drink

In previous research, it was found that alcohol consumption alters the physical structure and function of neurons called medium spiny neurons. One type of neuron, D1, determines whether one drink leads to another. in this study, researchers have taken a step further in the process by identifying the neuron that tells us to stop drinking: D2. “At least from the action point of view, D2 neurons are good,” said Jun Wang, MD, PhD, the corresponding author on the paper and assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at the Texas A&M College of Medicine. “When they are activated, they inhibit drinking behavior, and therefore activating them is important for preventing problem drinking behavior.” To read more, click here.

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