TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2008//
TI  - Major depression, 5HTTLPR genotype, suicide and antidepressant influences on thalamic volume
JO  - British journal of psychiatry
A1  - Young, Keith A.
A1  - Bonkale, Willy L.
A1  - Holcomb, Leigh A.
A1  - Hicks, Paul B.
A1  - German, Dwight C.
SP  - 285
EP  - 289
VL  - 192
IS  - 4
N2  - BACKGROUND: The 5HTTLPR genetic variant of the serotonin transporter gene (SERT or 5-HTT), which is comprised of a short (SERT-s) and a long (SERT-l) allele, is associated with major depressive disorder and post-traumatic brain disorder. AIMS: The present study sought to determine whether the total thalamus and major subregions are altered in size in major depressive disorder and in relation to the 5HTTLPR genotype. METHOD: We investigated the influence of 5HTTLPR genotype, psychiatric diagnosis, suicide and other clinical factors on the volume of the entire post-mortem thalamus. RESULTS: Major depressive disorder, SERT-ss genotype and suicide emerged as independent factors contributing to an enlargement of the total thalamus. The majority of the volume enlargement associated with the SERT-ss genotype occurred in the pulvinar, whereas enlargement associated with major depressive disorder occurred in the limbic nuclei and in other regions of the thalamus. A history of antidepressant treatment was associated with reduced thalamic volume. CONCLUSIONS: The 5HTTLPR genetic variation may affect behaviour and psychiatric conditions, in part, by altering the anatomy of the thalamus.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0007-1250
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.107.039180
ID  - ref1
ER  -