Brain 'switch' can turn off drug addiction, say Shanghai scientists
Scientists believe they have solved riddle of gene that controls flow of stimulant in the body
Addiction to drugs such as cocaine can be turned on and off like a tap by a "switch" in the brain, a new study by mainland scientists has found.
They hope that the discovery of the "switch" - a gene known as Vav2 - can lead to significant improvements in rehabilitation efforts.
The gene appears to affect the distribution and concentration of the chemical dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine production is known to be stimulated by rewarding experiences such as physical exercise, eating and sex. Many studies have confirmed that it is also closely linked to drug addictions, such as smoking, but until now its exact working mechanism has remained largely unknown.
Scientists led by professor Zhou Jiawei of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Neuro Science in Shanghai, believe they have partially solved the riddle.
"We have spent seven years on this work," said Zhou, whose study was published in the latest issue of Nature Neuroscience.
The team believes addiction is determined not only by the amount of dopamine that is released, but by how the chemical is recycled through the body.