Scientists revealed yesterday that chain smokers who struggle to quit may be able to attribute their difficulties to miswired brains.
Researchers claim to have identified a genetic defect that causes many of these individuals to experience a constant craving for nicotine.
This defect is found in a “sub unit” of a receptor protein, which usually suppresses the desire for nicotine after a certain amount has been consumed.
According to US medics, those affected by this defective mechanism become exceedingly addicted. Dr. Christie Fowler, who conducted laboratory experiments on rats and mice at Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Florida, stated, “When the pathway isn’t functioning as it should, you simply consume more.”
She noted that the revelation regarding the malfunctioning alpha5 sub unit, which was intentionally “knocked out” in the rodents, clarified why nicotine addiction affects some individuals more severely than others.
The tested animals continued to seek more nicotine regardless of the amount of the substance administered to them. However, researchers offered hope for smokers last night.
Collaborating with colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania, they are working on developing anti-smoking medications that enhance the signaling of the alpha5 sub unit.
by Debbie Dot
