We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The N251K functional polymorphism in the α<sub>2A</sub>-adrenoceptor gene is not associated with depression: a study in suicide completers.
- Authors
Martín-Guerrero, Idoia; Callado, Luis F.; Saitua, Koldo; Rivero, Guadalupe; García-Orad, África; Meana, J. Javier
- Abstract
Rationale: α2A-Adrenoceptor up-regulation and supersensitivity have been described in the postmortem brains of depressed suicide victims and in the platelets of depressed subjects. The C to G transversion at nucleotide 753 (Asn to Lys change at amino acid 251 or N251K) is a low-frequency polymorphism of the α2A-adrenoceptor gene that results in a gain-of-function phenotype. A previous study has suggested an association between completed suicide and this polymorphism. Objectives: The single functional polymorphism N251K was tested in a large sample (n=214) of completed suicides, controlling for the antemortem psychiatric diagnosis, and matched controls (n=176). Methods: Postmortem brain DNA was extracted and the α2A-adrenoceptor gene fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, followed by a StyI restriction endonuclease digestion. Amplified products were sequenced to confirm the presence of the a2A-adrenoceptor gene fragment where the polymorphism is located. Results: The N251K polymorphism was absent in both suicide victim and control groups. No association between the polymorphism and suicide or depression was established. Conclusions: The N251K polymorphism does not represent a genetic factor to explain the α2A-adrenoceptor hyperactivity in the brains of depressed suicide victims. Association between suicide and this polymorphism was not replicated.
- Publication
Psychopharmacology, 2006, Vol 184, Issue 1, p82
- ISSN
0033-3158
- Publication type
Academic Journal
- DOI
10.1007/s00213-005-0266-2