Serotonin function and risk for alcoholism in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Data in animals and adults indicate that central serotonergic (5-HT) function may be involved in the development of alcohol abuse. Despite this, studies exploring this mechanism in individuals at risk for alcoholism are scant. This study used a fenfluramine (FEN) challenge procedure to investigate the relationship between risk for alcoholism and 5-HT function in 7- to 11-year-old boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The prolactin (PRL) and cortisol (CORT) responses to FEN were examined in 10 sons of alcoholic fathers (FA+) and 30 sons of nonalcoholic fathers (FA-). The FA+ group had a significantly greater CORT, but not PRL, response to FEN relative to the FA- group. The discrepancy between the CORT and PRL responses may be due to the different mechanisms that underlie their 5-HT stimulated release. This suggests that, among ADHD boys, those at familial risk for alcohol abuse may differ from those who are not at risk in 5-HT function.
Schulz
K P
KP
Department of Psychology, Graduate School, City University of New York, New York, USA.
McKay
K E
KE
Newcorn
J H
JH
Sharma
V
V
Gabriel
S
S
Halperin
J M
JM
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D005277:Fenfluramine; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
D005277:Fenfluramine; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D011388:Prolactin; D012701:Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors