Abstract
Involvement of the serotonergic system in N1 and P2 components of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) has been implicated. Moreover, studies have indicated the presence of heritability in the genesis of AEP components. The serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor gene is a strong candidate for N1 and P2 components of the AEPs because 5-HT1A receptor regulates the firing of serotonergic neurons. The present study tested the hypothesis that the 5-HT1A promoter genetic polymorphism (C-1019G) is associated with N1 and P2 components of AEPs in unmedicated major depression patients. The sample consisted of 221 Chinese patients (mean age: 44.3 years; male/female: 93/128) diagnosed with major depression. AEPs and 5-HT1A genotyping were done for each patient. Patients with the C/C genotype had a significantly shorter P2 latency when compared with C/G or G/G genotype patients (p = 0.049), and the difference in P2 latency was significant among the 5-HT1A genotype groups in male patients (p = 0.031) but not in female patients (p = 0.398). These findings suggest that this 5-HT1A polymorphism may affect AEP P2 latency in a gender-dependent manner. Further studies with other genetic polymorphisms in the serotonergic system may help to clarify the relation between serotonergic function and AEP components.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call