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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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Single Cell Measurement of Dopamine Release with Simultaneous Voltage-clamp and Amperometry
Published on: November 21, 2012
Norepinephrine transporter gene variation modulates acute response to D-amphetamine.
Andrea Dlugos1, Christine Freitag, Christa Hohoff
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
Biological Psychiatry
|January 24, 2007
Summary
Genetic variations in the norepinephrine transporter gene (SLC6A2) influence how individuals respond emotionally to amphetamine. This finding may help predict amphetamine addiction risk and treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenetics
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Individual responses to amphetamine vary, impacting abuse risk and treatment effectiveness.
- Amphetamine's effects are partly mediated by the norepinephrine transporter (SLC6A2).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between SLC6A2 gene polymorphisms and individual differences in mood responses to amphetamine.
Main Methods:
- 99 healthy volunteers received placebo or D-amphetamine (10/20 mg) in a double-blind, randomized design.
- Subjective mood was assessed using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire.
- Participants were genotyped for eight SLC6A2 polymorphisms, and haplotype analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- The SLC6A2 intronic 36001C/C genotype (rs47958) correlated with increased positive mood and elation after 20 mg D-amphetamine.
- A specific haplotype (GCC) in SLC6A2 was also associated with enhanced positive mood and elation.
- These associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons.
Conclusions:
- Specific polymorphisms and haplotypes within the SLC6A2 gene are linked to mood alterations induced by D-amphetamine.
- These genetic factors may explain variations in clinical response and susceptibility to amphetamine addiction.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and their clinical implications.
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