MK4MDD

Genetic/Epigenetic Locus Search Cross Data Search

Study Report

Reference

Citation	Hickie, 2007 PubMed
Full Info	Hickie, I.B., Naismith, S.L., Ward, P.B., Scott, E.M., Mitchell, P.B., Schofield, P.R., Scimone, A., Wilhelm, K. and Parker, G. (2007) Serotonin transporter gene status predicts caudate nucleus but not amygdala or hippocampal volumes in older persons with major depression. J Affect Disord, 98, 137-142

Study

Hypothesis or Background	Although the short allele of the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTT) has been linked to increased risk of major depression in early adult life, its relationships with late-life depression and to changes in subcortical nuclei remain unclear.
Sample Information	45 older persons with major depression (mean age=52.0, sd=12.8) and 16 healthy controls (mean age=55.8, sd=10.3)
Method Detail	METHODS: 5-HTT genotypes (SS, SL, LL) were determined for 45 older persons with major depression (mean age=52.0, sd=12.8) and 16 healthy controls (mean age=55.8, sd=10.3). MRI-derived volumes of the amygdala, hippocampus, caudate and putamen were determined by reliable tracing techniques.
Method Keywords	magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); genotyping
Result	In those with depression, the short allele of 5-HTT was associated with smaller caudate nucleus volumes. Although hippocampal and amygdala volumes were smaller in those with depression as compared with control subjects, 5-HTT gene status did not predict this reduction in size.
Conclusions	Reduced caudate nucleus volume in older patients with major depression was associated with the short allele of the 5-HTT gene. This regional brain change may be a consequence of early developmental expression as well as later vascular or degenerative effects of this genotype.

Relationships reported by Hickie, 2007