During the experiment, the scientists inserted a modified virus carrying the GDNF gene into an area of the macaque brain associated with the dopamine reward system.
The results were surprising: The four monkeys who had previously consumed ethanol diluted with water had a 90% reduction in alcohol consumption compared to the control group.
After the procedure, these animals preferred to drink water and abstained from alcohol.
GDNF is a growth factor that stimulates cells to divide rapidly by increasing the function of dopamine-producing neurons. Chronic alcohol use often lowers dopamine levels in the body.
Scientists believe this type of gene therapy could be used to treat people with a serious alcohol disorder.
Source: Ferra
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