title: Neurochemical markers of alcoholism vulnerability in humans.
abstract: This review considers several neurochemical characteristics or trait markers that may be related to a genetic vulnerability to alcoholism. These potential neurochemical markers of alcoholism vulnerability include indices of activity of five neurotransmitter systems, namely gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and beta-endorphin. This review evaluates whether potential abnormalities in these neurochemical indices, as assessed in alcoholics and in the children of alcoholics, meet three criteria for the identification of a vulnerability marker of alcoholism: (1). heritable; (2). associated with alcoholism in the general population; (3). state independent. It is concluded that, at present, indices of increased baseline activity of the serotonin transporter in platelets and of increased responsiveness of the pituitary beta-endorphin system may fulfil each of these three criteria. Additional research efforts should be devoted to the evaluation of trait marker properties of neurochemical indices in individuals at high risk for alcoholism.
authors.affiliation: Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, P O Box 12474, 1100 AL Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Joelle E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Ratsma
authors.forename: Odin
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Van Der Stelt
authors.forename: W Boudewijn
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Gunning
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents; D004298:Dopamine / Q000235:genetics; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000235:genetics*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012701:Serotonin / Q000235:genetics; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000235:genetics; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012701:Serotonin; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine