Sensorimotor Gating and Genetic Variations
Author Information
Author(s): Quednow Boris B., Schmechtig Anne, Ettinger Ulrich, Petrovsky Nadine, Collier David A., Vollenweider Franz X., Wagner Michael, Kumari Veena
Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Germany
Hypothesis
Does genetic variation in the serotonin-2A receptor and catechol-O-methyltransferase influence sensorimotor gating in healthy individuals?
Conclusion
The study confirmed that sensorimotor gating is influenced by genetic variations in the serotonin-2A receptor, with a sex-specific effect from the COMT genotype.
Supporting Evidence
- Subjects with the 5-HT2AR T102C-T/A-1438 G-A allele showed increased PPI levels.
- Male subjects with the COMT Met158Met-genotype also showed elevated PPI.
- The NRG-1 Arg38Gln genotype did not significantly impact PPI.
- Startle reactivity was not affected by any of the investigated polymorphisms.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain genes affect how our brains filter out unnecessary sounds. They found that some people are better at this than others because of their genes.
Methodology
The study analyzed genetic polymorphisms and assessed startle reactivity, habituation, and prepulse inhibition in healthy volunteers.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of participants with psychiatric disorders and the focus on a specific demographic.
Limitations
The study's sample was limited to healthy Caucasian volunteers, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
107 healthy Caucasian volunteers, mean age 26.2 years, 49.5% women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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