Pleasure-Triggered Medication

Oct-17-13 A tiny implant that releases medicine in response to dopamine could change the way we take medication.

In an experiment, researchers injected mice suffering from high blood pressure with a cell housed in a seaweed gelatin. The cell contained a blood pressure-lowing drug, and was altered to release the medication when the mouse’s brain released dopamine. When the injected mice had sex, good food or were given amphetamines, the medicine was released and the blood pressure levels of the mice stayed normal—even though those activities usually raise blood pressure.

According to Martin Fussenegger, “…blood pressure is just a model disease, and a very challenging one to treat. That is why we chose it. But the dopamine sensor and happiness could be used to treat other metabolic disorders.”

Image: Grant Cochrane/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

More Info about this Invention:

[POPSCI.COM]
[HEALTHLINE]

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