Genetic association of GABA-A receptor alpha-2 and mu opioid receptor with cocaine cue-reactivity: evidence for inhibitory synaptic neurotransmission involvement in cocaine dependence

Am J Addict. 2012 Sep-Oct;21(5):411-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2012.00253.x.

Abstract

Background: This pilot feasibility study examined the role of genetics in laboratory-induced cocaine craving.

Methods: Thirty-four African American, cocaine-depend- ent male subjects underwent a baseline assessment, cue-exposure session, and genetic analysis. Subjects were classified as either cue-reactive or nonreactive.

Results: Among single nucleotide polymorphism markers in 13 candidate genes examined for association with cocaine cue-reactivity, two were statistically significant: GABRA2 (coding for GABA-A receptor alpha-2 subunit; rs11503014, nominal p= .001) and OPRM1 (coding for mu opioid receptor; rs2236256, nominal p= .03).

Conclusions: These pilot results suggest that cocaine craving shows variability among cocaine-dependent subjects, and that GABRA2 and OPRM1 polymorphisms have differential influences on cocaine cue-reactivity, warranting studies in future research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black or African American / genetics*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / blood
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / genetics*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / physiopathology
  • Cues
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Receptors, GABA-A / genetics*
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / genetics*
  • Synaptic Transmission / genetics*

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu