Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphism, 5-HT2A receptor function and personality traits in healthy subjects:: a negative study

Background: Central serotonin-2A (5-HT2A) receptor dysfunction is regarded as an important factor in the etiology of affective disorders. The relations between some personality traits and the vulnerability of affective disorders are also implicated. Moreover, there are several reports which describe the association between 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphisms and mental disorders. We therefore examined the relationship between personality traits, the 5-HT2A receptor function, and 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphisms. Methods: 5-HT-induced intraplatelet calcium (Ca) mobilization, 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphisms (A-1438G, T102C, T516C, C1340T, C1354T), and Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) scores were examined in 133 healthy subjects. Results: Neither 5-HT-induced Ca mobilization nor 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphisms (A-1438G, T102C) appear to be associated with seven personality dimensions including Harm Avoidance. There was no significant difference in the Ca. response among the subjects with - 1438A/A, A/G and G/G genotypes. Since the appearance of the other types of the 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphisms (T516C, C1340T and C1354T) was quite rare in our sample, we were unable to examine the relationship between these polymorphisms, and the TCI score or the Ca response, Limitations: Our failure to find a significant association may reflect the false negative results due to the small sample size and low statistical power. Further studies in depressed patients may clarify the complicated relationship between personality traits and the vulnerability of affective disorders. Conclusions: Personality traits detected by TCI may not be directly related to the 5-HT2A receptor function or 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphism which may be involved in the vulnerability of affective disorders. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science BY All rights reserved.