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Inflammatory vulnerability associated with the rh5-HTTLPR genotype in juvenile rhesus monkeys
W Z Amaral1, G R Lubach, A J Bennett
1Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA. wamaral@wisc.edu
Genes, Brain, and Behavior
|January 22, 2013
Summary
A serotonin transporter gene variation influences immune responses in rhesus monkeys. Short allele carriers show higher inflammation and inhibited interleukin-6 (IL-6) responses to stress.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Individual differences in serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) function are linked to stress reactivity and affective disorders.
- The serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) is a key area of genetic variation.
- Understanding this variation's impact on immune response is crucial for disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene promoter in rhesus monkeys.
- To determine how this genetic variation affects immune responsiveness to psychosocial stress.
- To examine the relationship between the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and proinflammatory responses.
Main Methods:
- Assessed leukocyte numbers and interleukin-6 (IL-6) responses in juvenile male rhesus monkeys.
- Utilized the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as an indicator of immune status.
- Measured cellular IL-6 responses to lipopolysaccharide stimulation in stable and novel housing conditions.
Main Results:
- Short allele carriers exhibited significantly higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios at baseline compared to long allele carriers.
- Following housing relocation, IL-6 responses were more suppressed in short allele carriers.
- The serotonin transporter gene polymorphism was associated with an inflammatory bias and altered stress response.
Conclusions:
- The serotonin transporter gene polymorphism serves as a marker for reactivity and inflammatory bias in rhesus monkeys.
- This genetic variation consistently influences the relationship between stress and immune function.
- Findings in nonhuman primates offer insights into human studies on serotonin transporter gene function and disease.
