If you give cookies to mice Legend has it that the desires flowing from the rats will follow. But if you give the rats hormones New research suggests that rats fared better than their peers after a night of heavy drinking.
Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center recently reported their findings in a new paper published in the journal Science. cell metabolism on March 7, showing how their new hormone injection strategy can help combat unpleasant alcohol poisoning. Two of the most common (and dangerous) symptoms are loss of consciousness and impaired movement.
“We discovered that the liver is not only involved in the metabolism of alcohol. but also sends hormonal signals to the brain to protect against the dangers of intoxication. This includes loss of consciousness and coordination,” Steven Kliewer, a molecular biologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center who led the research, said in a news release.
This hormone, known as FGF21, has previously been shown to increase after drinking alcohol. Elevated levels of the hormone seem to lead to a reduction in the amount of alcohol consumed. This indicates that the hormone may be increased to discourage excessive drinking. from this discovery Scientists have suggested the use of this hormone as a treatment for alcohol use disorder.
In this new study The researchers looked at how FGF21 influences the effects of alcohol consumption on mice. First, they designed mice lacking FGF21 and fed ethanol through a tube. It was found that it took them significantly longer than the hormone-producing mice to get their adaptive abilities right. These rats cannot atop a rotating rotaro rod. which is the rat equivalent of the peace test in the field. measure their balance than mice that produce FGF21 naturally.
The researchers then injected additional FGF21 into normal mice one hour after they received intravenous ethanol. These mice adapted faster and stayed atop the rotarod longer than both the hormone-free and normal mice. interesting is This technique appeared to be effective only in drunk rats: when given in excess of ketamine, diazepam or pentobarbital, FGF21 had no significant effect on rats’ ability to recover. balance
It is not clear why this is the case. Although researchers speculate in the paper that FGF21 may only help the liver metabolize alcohol Continuing, they hope to study pathways in the brain that seem to produce hormones. “A mind blowing effect,” Kliewer said.
Still, you never know: if you give the mouse sobriety. It may ask for more.
