Which of the following would you predict to find in individuals that have a clin

Question

Which of the following would you predict to find in individuals that have a clinical food addiction?

(I am having trouble with this question. Can someone explain the answer and the thought process needed to reach it please?)

A. Reduced gene expression of the gene encoding the dopamine re-uptake receptor protein, leading to lower dopamine re-uptake receptor levels in pre-synaptic neurons

B. Reduced gene expression of the gene encoding dopamine

C. Increased gene expression of the gene encoding the dopamine re-uptake receptor protein, leading to higher dopamine re-uptake receptor levels in pre-synaptic neurons

D. Increased gene expression of the gene encoding the dopamine receptor protein, leading to higher dopamine receptor levels in post-synaptic neurons

A. Reduced gene expression of the gene encoding the dopamine re-uptake receptor protein, leading to lower dopamine re-uptake receptor levels in pre-synaptic neurons

Explanation / Answer

C Increased gene expression of the gene encoding the dopamine re-uptake receptor protein, leading to higher dopamine re-uptake receptor levels in pre-synaptic neurons

Addiction can be understood using the concept of densensitization. Desensitization can occure due to repeated exposure to a drug which then causes the cells to reuptake recepters inside the cell in a way to regulate response. Due to this there is reduced sensitivity or as we call it desensitization. This is a sign of addiction as the person would need a higher dose with time to get the same effects.In this case the desensitization occurs by reuptake of dopamine into the pre synaptic cell by increased synthesis of receptor So a person on cocaine would get less pleasure from the same dose of cocaine with time as the dopamine is reuptaken into the cell.

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