Evaluating gene x psychological risk factor effects in the pathogenesis of anxiety: a new model approach.
The present study evaluated the singular and interactive effects of a functional polymorphism (variation) in the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene and a psychological trait (anxiety sensitivity [AS], i.e., fear of arousal symptoms) in predicting subjective and physiological responses to a 35% carbon dioxide (CO2) challenge in a community sample (N = 72). Genotypes were divided into 2 groups in accord with prior research. Findings were partially supportive of the hypothesized risk model. These indicated that the Group L genotype (homozygous for the 1 allele), compared with the Group S genotype (homozygous for the s allele plus heterozygous individuals), predicted greater fearful response to the biological challenge. There was also an AS x Genotype interaction predicting heart rate variability (HRV) in response to the CO2, suggesting that high AS plus Group L status predicts decreased HRV.
Schmidt
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NB
Psychology Department, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA. schmidt.283@osu.edu
Storey
J
J
Greenberg
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BD
Santiago
H T
HT
Li
Q
Q
Murphy
D L
DL
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D001007:Anxiety / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D008954:Models, Biological; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012701:Serotonin / Q000235:genetics*; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D012701:Serotonin