Association between dopamine receptor D1 gene DdeI polymorphism and sensation seeking in alcohol-dependent men

Background: Among genetic and biopsychological factors involved in alcohol-dependence vulnerability, dopamine receptor subtypes genes and temperament's dimensions, such as sensation seeking, have been particularly incriminated. Moreover, it is suggested that higher levels of sensation seeking could be associated with a modification of sensitivity to dopamine in postsynaptic receptors. Methods: We investigated whether the DRD1 DdeI polymorphism could be associated with the sensation-seeking level among a sample of 72 alcohol-dependent male and female patients. Analyses of variance were performed to test for an effect between the DRD1 DdeI genotypes and sensation-seeking scores according to the 40-item Zuckerman scale. Results: When comparing the DRD1 DdeI genotypes and the Zuckerman scores, we found a significant association only in men (p = 0.01). Conclusions: That is the first report of a male limited association between the DRD1 gene polymorphism and sensation-seeking score in alcohol-dependent subjects.