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The short (S) allele of the serotonin transporter polymorphism and acute tryptophan depletion both increase impulsivity in men

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 18:54 authored by E Walderhaug, A I Herman, A Magnusson, M J Morgan, N I Landrø
Reduced serotonergic neurotransmission is implicated in impulsive behavior. We studied the triallelic system of the serotonin transporter gene linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and acute manipulation of serotonin together to further delineate the mechanisms by which serotonergic neurotransmission affects impulsivity. Fifty-two healthy participants (38 men and 14 women) underwent acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) or placebo in a randomized, double-blind, parallel group experiment. Impulsive response style was measured on two versions of the Continuous Performance Task (CPT), and calculated using signal detection theory. We observed a dose-dependent effect for the short (S ) allele of the 5-HTTLPR on impulsive response style. Individuals who had the S /S genotype were more impulsive than individuals with the L/S genotype. Participants with the L/S genotype were more impulsive than those with the L/L genotype. ATD increased impulsivity in men, and decreased impulsivity in women. These data demonstrate for the first time that reduced serotonergic tone as a result of either 5-HTTLPR genotype, or experimental ATD, are both independently, and additively, associated with elevated impulsive response style in Caucasian men.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Neuroscience Letters

ISSN

0304-3940

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

3

Volume

473

Page range

208-211

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Notes

Collaborator and co-author

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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