title: The serotonin transporter gene and startle response during nicotine deprivation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, United States. jminnix@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Minnix
authors.forename: Jason D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Cho Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: Brian L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Jennifer E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Foreman
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Vandenbergh
authors.forename: Gail E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Tomlinson
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Wetter
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Cinciripini
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D009538:Nicotine