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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 During its research, the team also found that oct3 mutes the high that drug users experience from methamphetamines and similar addictive substances. Oct3 helps astrocytes soak up excess dopamine from around neurons. If not done fast or efficiently enough, the residue of dopamine can give people a euphoric feeling while also causing brain damage. Previous research had found that people with low oct3 activity in their brains are more susceptible to drug addiction.
"How you choose to manipulate the function of oct3 depends on the source of the toxic molecules," Tieu said. "You would try to lessen its effects in a condition where it makes a toxic molecule available to vulnerable cells, as illustrated in the current model of Parkinson's disease. But in the case of drug addiction, you might try to increase it, to lessen the impact of a drug like methamphetamine."
Though no drug exists that can block or boost oct3 in people, the researcher said that finding one might eventually aid people with Parkinson's or drug addiction.
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-- Kevin McKeever
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