Reduced amygdala activation in young adults at high risk of alcoholism: studies from the Oklahoma family health patterns project.
BACKGROUND
Risk of alcoholism is higher in those with a positive family history (FH+) and in those showing behavioral disinhibition, possibly reflecting altered limbic system function.


METHODS
We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 17 nonabusing young adults, 9 with FH+ and high in disinhibition versus 8 with a negative family history (FH-) and low in disinhibition. We probed limbic system reactivity with a recognition task using faces expressing fear versus geometric objects.


RESULTS
Subjects with FH- had robust activation to the faces in the region of the right and left amygdalar complexes (p's < .05), while subjects with FH+ had no such activation (p's > .46). The blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the region of the amygdala was correlated with scores on the self-report measure of temperament in the combined groups (r = .51, p < .04).


CONCLUSIONS
Behaviorally disinhibited temperament, found in many with FH+, may be associated with amygdalar hyporesponsiveness and a failure to avoid risky decisions, increasing the person's liability for alcohol abuse.
Glahn
David C
DC
Neuroimaging Core, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Lovallo
William R
WR
Fox
Peter T
PT
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000679:Amygdala / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008032:Limbic System / Q000502:physiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009825:Oklahoma; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012938:Social Perception
D010100:Oxygen