Despite the general correlation of the serotonin transporter gene regulatory region polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and platelet serotonin concentration, lower platelet serotonin concentration in migraine patients is independent of the 5-HTTLPR variants

Neurosci Lett. 2003 Oct 16;350(1):56-60. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3940(03)00834-6.

Abstract

Platelet serotonin (5-HT) concentrations in a headache-free period during the mid-follicular phase and the serotonin transporter gene regulatory region polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) were measured in female migraine patients without aura (n = 64) and healthy controls (n = 42). High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the platelet 5-HT concentration and genetic polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Significantly lower platelet 5-HT concentrations were found in migraine patients compared to controls. Concerning the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, the S/S genotype was associated with a significantly higher platelet 5-HT concentration (P = 0.027) in the whole study population. This association between the 5-HTTLPR genotypes and platelet 5-HT concentrations was independent of the diagnosis. In addition, the platelet 5-HT concentration was lower in migraineurs in all genotypes (S/S, S/L, L/L). In conclusion, 5-HTTLPR variants may have an effect on the platelet 5-HT concentrations, but the lower 5-HT concentrations in migraine patients seem to be determined by other factors.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins*
  • Migraine Disorders / blood
  • Migraine Disorders / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid*
  • Serotonin / blood*
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • SLC6A4 protein, human
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Serotonin