Specific DNA variations of the serotonin transporter gene can influence drinking intensity
Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 17:56
in Health & Medicine
The brain's serotonergic system plays an important role in alcohol preference and consumption. The serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), in particular, may regulate a person's propensity for severe drinking. A study of six different single nucleotide polymorphisms - DNA sequence variations - of SLC6A4 has found that they influence drinking intensity among alcohol-dependent (AD) individuals in treatment.