Hunger Molecule Promotes Cocaine Cravings (news article and journal article)

In summary, the "hunger molecule" mentioned in the article is ghrelin, a hormone produced by the stomach that regulates appetite and food intake. This hormone has also been shown to promote cocaine cravings by activating reward and motivation pathways and increasing dopamine release. A study found that mice injected with ghrelin exhibited increased sensitivity to cocaine and a greater desire to self-administer the drug, suggesting a potential role in promoting cocaine addiction. These findings have implications for developing therapeutic approaches and highlight the importance of considering factors such as hunger and appetite in understanding and treating addiction. While the study was conducted on mice, previous research suggests similar effects in humans, though further studies are needed to confirm and develop treatments.
  • #1
CosminaPrisma
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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15 - A neuropeptide essential for wakefulness and appetite also appears to enhance the brain's appetite for cocaine, researchers here reported.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Psychiatry/Addictions/tb/2680"


Journal submission pertaining to newsarticle can be found here.
http://download.neuron.org/pdfs/0896-6273/PIIS0896627306000456.pdf"
 
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  • #2
Let taking cocaine be A and let being awake be B. Let sleeping be C.

From this research we can conclude. A does not imply C.
 
  • #3
:rofl: :biggrin: True.
 

1. What is the "hunger molecule" mentioned in the article?

The "hunger molecule" refers to a hormone called ghrelin, which is produced by the stomach and plays a role in regulating appetite and food intake.

2. How does ghrelin promote cocaine cravings?

Ghrelin has been shown to activate brain regions associated with reward and motivation, making individuals more susceptible to drug cravings. It also increases the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and addiction.

3. What were the findings of the study mentioned in the article?

The study found that mice injected with ghrelin showed increased sensitivity to cocaine and a greater desire to self-administer the drug compared to mice that did not receive the hormone. This suggests that ghrelin may play a role in promoting cocaine addiction.

4. What are the implications of these findings?

The findings suggest that targeting ghrelin or its receptors may be a potential therapeutic approach for treating cocaine addiction. It also highlights the importance of considering factors such as hunger and appetite in understanding addiction and developing effective treatments.

5. Is this study applicable to humans?

While the study was conducted on mice, previous research has shown that ghrelin plays a similar role in regulating food intake and reward pathways in humans. However, further studies are needed to confirm the effects of ghrelin on cocaine cravings in humans and to develop potential treatments.

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