No they didn’t found the love
potion yet… but they are quiet close. An article entitled “Gene switches
make prairie voles fall in love” in Nature caught my eye the other night. A
study on certain specie of rodents (prairie voles) proved the involvement of
epigenetics in love. These rodents are monogamous in nature and cohabit for a
few hours before mating. The mating process triggers a chemical reaction in
their brain making them more attached and loyal to one another. Here is what
happens. DNA is a negatively charged molecule and is packed in the nucleus
using a positively charged molecule called histone. To increase the expression
of a certain gene, histone is acetylated, making it less positive and unwinds
from DNA, increasing genetic expression. This what mating triggers in these
rodents. It increases the expression of the receptors of vasopressin and
oxytocin, two hormones known in their involvement in enhancing the feeling of
closeness and attachment to another person in human beings. A drug called trichostatin A was injected in
the brain of the rodents and triggered a similar chemical reaction. The drug is
a histone deacetylase inhibitor. It prevents the removal of acetyl groups from
the DNA, hence enhancing the expression of the hormones. So a drug can induce
the feeling of attachment and loyalty towards the partner. Did we find the
ultimate love potion? Unfortunately no. The drug only works after cohabitation
has occurred for several hours before. It only replaced mating as the trigger.
So seduction and flirting are still a must.
Well if only this could just cut out flirting. :) Is this kind of like the idea that the chemicals in chocolate that gives you a sense of love or feeling in love? I know in chocolate it does not make a person fall in love but the chemicals help trigger the feeling.
ReplyDeleteSo I guess you can say we still need Cupid?! :)
ReplyDeleteThis topic is still interesting though. I love the idea that the pleasure of mating or falling in love is satisfied by the drug. Sooner or later, there will be pills that do the same thing sold in stores, only if people's ethics and morals do not stand in the way.