CING receives research on cocaine effects on mice

A VISITING biochemist from Surrey University yesterday presented pioneering cocaine and opioid addiction research to the Cyprus Institute for Neurology and Genetics (CING).

Describing the project, lecturer and neuropharmacologist Alex Bailey said his examination of cocaine’s effect on mice offers an insight into the biological and genetic aspects of drug addiction.

The results of this project could even form the basis of further research collaboration with the CING.

Bailey said: “Genetics, along environmental and psychological factors, have been shown to play an important role in addictive diseases. Our work investigates how genetic factors and neurobiological alterations factor into addictive diseases.”

He explained that if you can understand why a person becomes addicted, you could also find a way to treat addiction, for example by developing a specific drug that acts on a target, like a receptor: “By blocking that receptor we can actually block the craving… and prevent relapse.”

Bailey’s team tested these factors by giving cocaine to three groups of mice in order to mimic addiction and then monitor changes in their behaviour and brain physiology.

Each group was chosen because it lacked specific neurological components – either a receptor or gene – that are affected by the drug

During the research, some mice had a definite preference for, and eventually dependence on cocaine, while others, which lacked specific receptors, were averse to the drug.

Several even exhibited behavioural changes, such as increased motion.

Bailey acknowledges some disadvantages to using mice for the research, but argues that they offer a reliable model for research because their reward system has evolved similarly to humans.

The tests successfully identified some new potential pharmacological targets for the treatment of addiction, and Bailey and his team are now examining the possibility of collaboration with the Cyprus Institute.

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