Alcoholics with the dopamine receptor DRD2 A1 allele have lower platelet monoamine oxidase-B activity than those with the A2 allele: a preliminary study.
Low platelet monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) activity and the presence of the Taq1 A1 allele of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene have independently been proposed as 'biological/genetic' markers for alcoholism. In the present study, the relationship between these two markers was investigated in a group of socially stable Caucasian middle-aged men with a mean (+/-SD) daily ethanol consumption of 85 +/- 57 g. The platelet MAO-B activity was significantly lower in individuals with the DRD2 A1 allele (n = 8), compared to those without it (n = 29). This relationship remained unchanged when including only subjects who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence (n = 27). The finding suggests that alcoholics who are carriers of the DRD2 A1 allele may have lower platelet MAO-B activity.
Eriksson
M
M
Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgren University Hospital/Mölndal, Göteborg University, SE-431 80 Mölndal, Sweden.
Berggren
U
U
Blennow
K
K
Fahlke
C
C
Månsson
J E
JE
Balldin
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000483:Alleles; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000235:genetics*
D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase