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Serotonin transporter availability correlates with alcohol intake in non-human primates
A Heinz1, D W Jones, J G Gorey
1Clinical Brain Disorders Branch, NIMH/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA. andreas.heinz@charite.de
Molecular Psychiatry
|March 1, 2003
Summary
Higher serotonin transporter availability in rhesus monkeys is linked to increased alcohol intake. This finding suggests a direct relationship between serotonin transporter levels and alcohol consumption, independent of aggression or initial alcohol response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Primate Studies
Background:
- Alcoholism is linked to low initial alcohol intoxication response and impulsivity.
- In primates, serotonin transporter availability and turnover correlate with aggression and alcohol response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serotonin transporter availability, aggressiveness, and initial alcohol response on alcohol intake in non-human primates.
Main Methods:
- Assessed alcohol intake in a free-choice paradigm over 3 months in 11 rhesus monkeys.
- Measured serotonin transporter availability using single-photon emission computed tomography and [(123)I]beta-CIT.
- Analyzed correlations and performed linear multiple regression.
Main Results:
- Alcohol intake positively correlated with serotonin transporter availability (R=0.76, P=0.006).
- No significant correlation was found between alcohol intake and aggressiveness or initial alcohol response.
- Serotonin transporter availability explained 82% of the variance in alcohol intake, emerging as the sole significant factor.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin transporter availability is a significant predictor of alcohol intake in rhesus monkeys.
- This relationship persists even after controlling for aggressiveness and initial alcohol response.
- Findings suggest a direct link between central serotonin transporter availability and alcohol consumption patterns.