A receptor antagonist that targets craving and stress has positive effects.
Pharmacologic treatments for alcohol dependence have limited efficacy. Alcohol dependence is accompanied by increased sensitivity to stress, as manifested by changes in several neurotransmitter systems. Evidence from several studies show that substance P and its preferred receptor, neurokinin 1 (NK1R), may be involved in stress and reward processes. To test whether this pathway is involved in alcohol dependence, investigators conducted preclinical studies and a clinical trial.
Researchers first examined reactions to alcohol in wild-type mice and in mice that were genetically deficient in NK1R. Compared with wild-type mice, null-NK1R mice had significantly lower voluntary alcohol consumption, especially at higher concentrations, and higher al…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)