UBC researchers use rats to study gambling addictions
17 Jun 2009
VANCOUVER, BC -- As reported by The Vancouver Sun: "UBC researchers have created the world's first animal laboratory experiment to successfully model human gambling.
"According to a news release, the advance will help scientists to develop and test new treatments for gambling addictions, a devastating condition that affects millions worldwide.
"In addition to showing that rats can 'play the odds,' the study finds that gambling decisions can be impaired or improved with drugs that affect brain dopamine and serotonin levels suggesting that these neurotransmitters may moderate gambling behaviour in humans.
"The study found that rodents treated with drugs that reduced their levels of serotonin levels - associated with impulse control in humans - dramatically reduced their ability to play the odds..."