The serotonin transporter gene and startle response during nicotine deprivation.
Affective startle probe methodology was used to examine the effects of nicotine administration and deprivation on emotional processes among individuals carrying at least one s allele versus those with the l/l genotype of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin) Transporter Linked Polymorphic Region, 5-HTTLPR in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene [solute ligand carrier family 6 member A4 (SLC6A4) or SERT]. Smokers (n=84) completed four laboratory sessions crossing deprivation (12-h deprived vs. non-deprived) with nicotine spray (nicotine vs. placebo). Participants viewed affective pictures (positive, negative, neutral) while acoustic startle probes were administered. We found that smokers with the l/l genotype showed significantly greater suppression of the startle response when provided with nicotine vs. placebo than those with the s/s or s/l genotypes. The results suggest that l/l smokers, who may have higher levels of the serotonin transporter and more rapid synaptic serotonin clearance, experience substantial reduction in activation of the defensive system when exposed to nicotine.
Minnix
Jennifer A
JA
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, United States. jminnix@mdanderson.org
Robinson
Jason D
JD
Lam
Cho Y
CY
Carter
Brian L
BL
Foreman
Jennifer E
JE
Vandenbergh
David J
DJ
Tomlinson
Gail E
GE
Wetter
David W
DW
Cinciripini
Paul M
PM
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D013216:Reflex, Startle / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012907:Smoking / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D009538:Nicotine