Seasonal variations in mood and behavior (seasonality) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) have been attributed to seasonal fluctuations in brain serotonin (5-HT). the short (s), as opposed to the long (l), allele of the 5-HT transporter linked polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) has been associated with neuroticism and depression.
Thus, our data do not support the association between depressive disorder and a nine-repeat allelic variant of the 5-HTT VNTR marker recently reported by Ogilvie et al.(Lancet 347:731-733, 1996).
A polymorphism in the promoter region of the gene (SLC6A4) encoding this protein, was recently reported to affect protein expression and to be associated with measures of anxiety and depression and with autism (using a family-controlled transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) design).
There are numerous reports of decreased binding to platelet serotonin transporter (5-HTT) in depression, suggesting that it might be considered a trait marker of depression.
The "short" (S) allele of the 5-HTTLPR appeared to be unrelated to alcohol dependence and comorbid depression in our sample, but was found associated with an increased risk for suicide attempts.
The relationship of the serotonin transporter gene promoter region polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) to antidepressant response was examined in 95 elderly patients receiving a protocolized treatment for depression with paroxetine or nortriptyline.
The serotonin transporter-linked promoter region polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) is thought to be associated with some serotonin dysfunction-related psychopathologies such as depression and anxiety disorders.
The findings indicate that both the initial affinity and genotype of 5-HTT may contribute in unique ways to the variation in the outcome of depression treatment trials.
The measurement of 5-HT1A receptors in drug-naïve schizophrenic patients using the in vivo PET methodology revealed an increase of cortical 5-HT1A receptor binding potential in schizophrenia. beta-CIT as a ligand for measurement of 5-HT transporter densities (5-HTT) revealed lower rates in depression compared to age- and sex-matching healthy controls, a measurement that has also been obtained for bulimia.
The 5-HTTLPR short allele (s) has been associated with anxiety-related personality traits and depression, and one study observed an association between the 5-HTTLPR s-allele and SAD and the trait of seasonality.
The present investigation (i) replicates research in adults showing that 5-HTTLPR variation moderates the development of depression after stress, (ii) extends the finding to children, and (iii) demonstrates the ability of social supports to further moderate risk for depression.
Upregulation and/or increased sensitivity of 5-HT2A/1B receptors and downregulated 5-HT transporter receptors in the periphery may contribute to increased risk of thromboembolic events in patients with depression and cardiovascular disease.
A polymorphism in the human serotonin transporter gene promoter (5-HTTLPR) is associated with anxiety and increased risk for developing depression in the face of adversity.
A deletion/insertion polymorphism within the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) promoter gene (5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region, 5-HTTLPR) is thought to be associated with several psychopathological phenotypes related to disturbed impulse control, anxiety and depression.