Science and Nuts

The name of the blog  is inspired by two neurotrophic factors. The first one: GDNF or Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor is a neurotrophic factor that play key roles in the control of growth and differentiation of the dopamin neuron, and as an potent survival factor for dopaminergic, noradrenergic and spinal motor neurons. In Parkinson’s  disease the results have been mixed, but some results are fantastic.

GDNF and the Amgen trial.

Anti-Addicive effect of GDNF

The antiaddictive effects of Ibogaine is mediated by GDNF in the ventral tegmental area. Researchers found that GDNF infusion very rapidly and dose-dependently reduced rat ethanol, self-administration:

Importantly, we demonstrate that GDNF infused into the VTA alters rats’ responses in a model of relapse. Specifically, GDNF application blocked reacquisition of ethanol self-administration after extinction. Together, these results suggest that GDNF, via activation of the MAPK pathway, is a is a fast-acting selective agent to reduce the motivation to consume and seek alcohol. fast-acting selective agent to reduce the motivation to consume and seek alcohol. (1)

we showed that the sustaineda ctions of ibogaine are mediated via an autoregulatory positive feedback loop in which GDNF triggers its own expression.

Ibogaine have been used to cure addictions from:Heroin, Morphine, Methadone and Painkillers.

The Root of Hope – Ibogaine – Begreppseken

Could the answer to America’s drug problem lie in an African root? Supporters say Ibogaine can treat Oxycontin, Vicodin, alcohol and heroin addiction.

(1) GDNF is a fast-acting potent inhibitor of alcohol
consumption and relapse
Sebastien Carnicella, Viktor Kharazia, Jerome Jeanblanc, Patricia H. Janak, and Dorit Ron
The Ernest Gallo Research Center and †Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, Emeryville, CA 94608
Edited by Hans Thoenen, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried.