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People with alcohol dependence have elevated levels of stress-related neurotransmitters. One such neurotransmitter is substance P, which achieves its physiologic effect by binding to a receptor called neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R).
A multinational team created mice in which the gene for NK1R was knocked out. Compared to mice with the normal NK1R gene, the knockout mice had markedly diminished voluntary consumption of alcohol and were more easily sedated by alcohol.
The team then conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 50 inpatients who were being treated for alcohol dependence and who had high levels of anxiety. One group received a drug (LY686017) that binds to and inactivates NK1R, and the other group received a placebo. All patien…