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A new animal study has recently shown that boosting the level of a specific brain protein, known as GDNF, can quickly cut excessive drinking of alcohol, and also prevent relapse.

In addition, the treatment did not block other "pleasure-seeking behaviours" − in this case, craving sweets. Interference with these normal behaviours has typically been a problem with drugs developed for alcoholism treatment. The brain chemical boost also didn't appear to carry any side effects, the study researchers report.

The findings were published in the article 'GDNF is a fast-acting potent inhibitor of alcohol consumption and relapse' in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The research by scientists at the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center builds on their earlier work. In 2005, they reported the first hints that increased levels of this brain protein cut down alcohol consumption. The new study established how quickly the effect kicks in, and shows for the first time that the chemical blocks relapse and does not interfere with normal cravings. The research also pinpointed the brain site where GDNF acts to control drinking.

Dorit Ron, PhD, senior author on the paper and principal investigator at the Gallo Center said: "Our findings open the door to a promising new strategy to combat alcohol abuse, addiction and especially relapse."

The scientists are now studying whether any FDA-approved drugs might stimulate GDNF activity in the brain. If an already-prescribed drug has this capacity, it could become a valued addition to the arsenal of treatments for alcoholism, Ron says.

Article published on 16/06/2008 by DryOutNow.com

DryOutNow.com provides highly practical help for people with alcohol problems, their friends and relatives. DryOutNow.com also provides free resources for healthcare professionals such as medical information and alcohol treatment guidelines.

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