One example of successful translational research came from the study of the neurokinin NK1 system. In fact, starting from preclinical evidence indicating that NK1 receptors are highly expressed in brain areas involved in stress responses and drug reward and from findings showing that genetic deletion of these receptors in mice markedly decreases voluntary alcohol consumption and markedly higher alcohol sensitivity, a novel NK1 receptor antagonist, LY686017, was tested in anxious, recently detoxified alcoholics. Results showed that in these patients the drug significantly suppressed spontaneous cravings for alcohol and improved overall well-being. LY686017 also blunted craving induced by a combined social stress and alcohol cue challenge.
