Monkeys Have Alcoholism Gene Variant
A study has revealed that macaque monkeys have a particular gene variant that causes them to drink more alcohol in experiments.
The corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) gene plays an important role in how we respond to everyday stress.
Sometimes the CRF gene can become overactive and lead to stress-related problems like anxiety, depression and alcoholism.
Scientists said that they found that some monkeys with the gene variant drank more alcohol, maybe even to relieve their anxiety.
The "T" form of the gene was associated with increased voluntary consumption of alcohol in drinks equivalent to the strength of a strong beer.
Some monkeys drank "well over the limit, maybe up to four or five drinks in one hour. They’re not drinking it because it’s tasty, it smelt like rubbing alcohol".
"And they act much like humans do: some sleep, some are friendly, others are aggressive," said Christina Barr, from the US National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, one of the authors of the study.
Scientists believe that a similar variant to CRF exists in humans, but may be rare. There are also other genes that have been associated with alcoholism.
If this is the case, then treatments may be done that could reduce the activity of these genes and the risk of alcoholism in those that carry them.
The findings were written in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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