Promoter region variant C-824T in the TH gene modulates the subjective effects of cocaine

Background and ObjectivesThis study examined how a promoter variant of TH (rs10770141) affects subjective effects of cocaine in 65 nontreatment-seeking individuals with cocaine dependence. MethodsParticipants received cocaine/saline intravenously, and TH genotypes were evaluated. ResultsHomozygous individuals for the minor T allele reported greater good and bad subjective effects to cocaine than those with the major C allele. Discussion and ConclusionsTH rs10770141 modulates subjective effects of cocaine in participants with cocaine dependence. Scientific SignificanceThese results are among the first to indicate that homozygosity of the T allele of rs10770141 modulates greater sensitivity to cocaine.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of a promoter variant of the TH gene (rs10770141) on the subjective effects of cocaine in 65 nontreatment-seeking individuals with cocaine dependence. Participants received intravenous cocaine/saline, and the TH genotypes were evaluated. Homozygous individuals for the minor T allele reported stronger positive and negative subjective effects to cocaine compared to those with the major C allele. The findings suggest that TH rs10770141 modulates the subjective effects of cocaine in individuals with cocaine dependence.