Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice
07:31

Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice

Published on: January 7, 2019

Pharmacogenetic insights to monoaminergic dysfunction in alcohol dependence

Andreas Heinz1, David Goldman, Jürgen Gallinat

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Schumannstrasse 20/21, 10117 Berlin, Germany. andreas.heinz@charite.de

Psychopharmacology
|May 19, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Genetic factors influence dopamine and serotonin transporter availability in alcohol dependence, affecting withdrawal severity and mood. Understanding these interactions aids in managing alcohol addiction and relapse risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Addiction Psychiatry

Background:

  • Alcohol dependence involves neuroadaptive changes in dopamine and serotonin systems.
  • These changes are partially reversible post-detoxification but may be influenced by genetic factors.
  • Genetic variations in transporters and receptors can impact relapse risk in alcoholics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interplay between genetic makeup and the in vivo availability of dopamine and serotonin transporters.
  • To correlate these genetic and transporter findings with alcohol intake, craving, and withdrawal symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A review of brain imaging studies was conducted.
  • Studies focused on assessing genotype and transporter/receptor availability in detoxified alcoholics and controls.

Main Results:

  • Chronic alcohol use led to reversible reductions in striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) availability during early abstinence.
  • A DAT gene (SLC6A3) polymorphism correlated with transporter availability and withdrawal severity.
  • Reduced serotonin transporter (5-HTT) expression was observed in specific genetic carriers, linked to negative mood.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic factors interact with central dopamine and serotonin transporter availability during alcohol detoxification.
  • This interaction may influence the severity of alcohol withdrawal and clinical depression.

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