The NET and 5-HT1A polymorphisms appear to have similar effects on hippocampal volume in patients and controls while the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism differentially affects hippocampal volume in the presence of depression.
In conclusion, our results favor the hypothesis that monoaminergic neurotransmission in general and the F528CNET and R219L 5-HT(1A) receptor variants in particular are involved in the pathogenesis of depression.
Since NE signaling contributes to diverse brain functions, we hypothesize that promoter variation within the human NET gene (solute carrier family 6, member 2; SLC6A2) may impact risk for NE-related disorders, including depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and autonomic dysfunction.