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Association and linkage studies of candidate genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission in lithium-responsive
Objective:
To test for genetic linkage and association with GABAergic candidate genes in lithium-responsive bipolar disorder.
Design:
Polymorphisms located in genes that code for GABRA3, GABRA5 and GABRB3 subunits of the GABAA receptor were investigated using association and linkage strategies.
Participants:
A total of 138 patients with bipolar 1 disorder with a clear response to lithium prophylaxis, selected from specialized lithium clinics in Canada and Europe that are part of the International Group for the Study of Lithium-Treated Patients, and 108 psychiatrically healthy controls. Families of 24 probands were suitable for linkage analysis.
Outcome Measures:
The association between the candidate genes and patients with bipolar disorder versus that of controls and genetic linkage within families.
Results:
There was no significant association or linkage found between lithium-responsive bipolar disorder and the GABAergic candidate genes investigated.
Conclusions:
This study does not support a major role for the GABAergic candidate genes tested in lithium-responsive bipolar disorder.
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