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Hormone responses to citalopram in abstinent alcohol dependent subjects
Deidre Gotjen1, Zsolt Szabo, Shing Lee
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Background:
The integrity of serotonin neurotransmission may be important in reducing risk for alcoholism and in preventing relapse to alcohol dependence. There are several lines of evidence suggesting that alcohol dependent persons have an altered and/or injured serotonin system. The purpose of this study was to examine ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin responses to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), citalopram, as a function of personal or family history of alcohol dependence in a group of abstinent alcohol dependent men.
Methods:
Twelve healthy, abstinent male participants who met diagnostic criteria for a history of alcohol dependence but not for other Axis I disorders were included in the study (mean years abstinent, 3.5 +/- 3.7; mean years of dependent drinking, 15.2 +/- 6.9). Fourteen healthy volunteers served as control subjects. Controls did not meet the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for any Axis I disorders and history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependence. All subjects were also characterized by the presence or absence of family history of alcoholism validated by collateral interviews.
Results:
ACTH responses to citalopram were minimally faster in abstinent alcohol dependent men compared to controls. However, cortisol and prolactin responses to citalopram did not differ by personal or family history of alcohol dependence. There was no correlation between hormone responses and the duration of abstinence from alcohol; between hormone responses and the years of dependent drinking and between hormone responses and NEO Personality Inventory scores.
Conclusion:
By probing the functional capacity of the serotonin system with citalopram, we did not detect physiologically relevant hormone differences between abstinent alcohol dependent men and controls.
Insights
This study investigated serotonin system function in abstinent alcohol-dependent men using citalopram. No significant hormonal differences were found between alcohol-dependent individuals and controls, suggesting intact serotonin system function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Serotonin neurotransmission integrity is crucial for alcoholism risk and relapse prevention.
- Evidence suggests alcohol-dependent individuals exhibit altered serotonin systems.
- This study explored hormonal responses to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in abstinent alcohol-dependent men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and prolactin responses to citalopram.
- To assess these hormonal responses based on personal or family history of alcohol dependence.
- To investigate the functional capacity of the serotonin system in abstinent alcohol-dependent men.
Main Methods:
- Included 12 abstinent, alcohol-dependent men and 14 healthy controls.
- Participants were assessed for personal and family history of alcohol dependence.
- Hormonal responses (ACTH, cortisol, prolactin) to citalopram were measured.
Main Results:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) responses to citalopram were slightly faster in alcohol-dependent men.
- Cortisol and prolactin responses to citalopram did not differ between groups.
- No correlations were found between hormone responses and abstinence duration, drinking history, or personality scores.
Conclusions:
- Probing the serotonin system with citalopram did not reveal physiologically significant hormonal differences.
- The functional capacity of the serotonin system appears comparable between abstinent alcohol-dependent men and controls.
- These findings contribute to understanding neurobiological factors in alcohol dependence recovery.