Study Pinpoints Pleasure Center in Brain for Alcohol
Scientists know that biology plays a significant role in determining whether a person consumes alcohol in a way that leads to alcoholism or drinks alcohol in a more controlled way. Thus far, however, the specific brain functions that are related to how the brain processes alcohol have not been identified.
A new study appearing in the January issue of Science Translational Medicine provides information about the observance of endorphin release in humans related to alcohol consumption. Previously, these same functions have been observed in animal models, but this is the very first time that researchers have identified the process in humans.
Head author Jennifer Mitchell, PhD, is a clinical project director at the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at the University of California, San Francisco. Mitchell explains that while there has been long-term speculation about how the endorphins function, this is the first study to confirm it in humans. It is the first study to provide information about why drinking alcohol can be a pleasurable experience.
The researchers observed the endorphin release related to alcohol consumption in areas of the brain called the nucleus accumbens and the orbitofrontal cortex. Using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, researchers were able to observe the impact of alcohol on the endorphin release in 13 individuals identified as heavy drinkers and 12 controls who were considered not to be heavy drinkers.
All of the participants observed exhibited a release of endorphins in response to alcohol consumption. In addition, all of the participants experienced increased feelings of pleasure associated with an increase of endorphins released.
The researchers also found that for heavy drinkers, the increased endorphin release accompanied an increased experiencing of feelings of intoxication. The same experience was not exhibited in the control participants.
Mitchell explained that the findings of the study may provide information about how heavy drinking is initiated and how that leads to more long-term problems. The changes in the brain may show why some people find alcohol more pleasant than others and are more likely to drink more than others.
The discovery of the specific areas of the brain involved with endorphin release in reaction to alcohol consumption may lead to important changes in how healthcare providers treat patients who have alcohol use disorders.
The findings may also be helpful in developing strategies to help those with a predisposition to heavy drinking, avoid a problem with alcohol consumption. This could prove valuable in developing models for treatment that can work successfully in a majority of those who struggle with heavy alcohol consumption.
